Macon Blair’s film, The Shitheads, aims for humor but doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s overly confident in its own quirky style and lacks the self-awareness to know when its unconventional approach stops being funny. While the film is unpredictable and may surprise audiences with its story and philosophical ideas, these moments feel empty, as if the movie is simply being different for the sake of it.
Despite its heavy themes of redemption and second chances, The Shitheads truly shines when it finds its rhythm. The film kicks off with a brilliantly funny scene featuring Killer Mike as a pastor scolding Davis (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) for taking a youth group to an inappropriate movie – the title itself is a highlight! We’re then introduced to Mark, played by Dave Franco, a talkative drug addict who lacks any sense of tact. Right away, we see how the filmmakers, Blair and Alex Orr, will create compelling drama by contrasting the characters’ worldviews. Davis is a deeply religious man seeking a direct connection with God and takes his role as a youth leader very seriously.
I’ve been following Mark’s story, and it’s clear he’s always searching for something to escape the boredom of everyday life. Things really get crazy when he and his partner take on a job transporting a seriously difficult, wealthy teenager named Sheridan to rehab. They had no idea what they were signing up for! Sheridan is determined to make the trip a nightmare. Honestly, even the legendary Odysseus didn’t have to deal with something like this – a guy like Nicholas Braun, or having his drink messed with. It’s a wild ride, and I’m hooked to see how they handle it.
The film has a genuine heart, but it would have been stronger if it committed to a single mood instead of awkwardly mixing two. This is especially clear in the character of Davis, powerfully played by Jackson Jr. While Mark enjoys provoking the frustrating Sheridan, Davis genuinely tries to help him, seeing his job as a fight for Sheridan’s well-being. Sheridan, whose escape plans become increasingly wild, relies on his family’s wealth to excuse his behavior. The film raises a question: does everyone deserve forgiveness, or only those who are willing to improve? A more daring version of this story could have explored these themes in a truly experimental way, portraying Thames as a literal embodiment of temptation for his overwhelmed caretakers.
B.J. Novak (Blair) struggles to balance the film’s serious themes with its deliberately shocking and crude humor. While young actor Mason Thames is captivating, he seems hesitant to fully embrace the truly disturbing depths of his character, perhaps wanting to maintain his on-screen charm. The portrayal of Franco’s drug-addicted character feels familiar, and the film occasionally relies too heavily on his childish behavior and confusion, even when those situations are clearly his own fault.
Kiernan Shipka, though only in a small role, adds a much-needed energy to the film. Having also been hurt by the main character’s misguided actions, she brings a compelling intensity. Whenever she’s on screen, the movie feels more alive, and she skillfully balances the humor and awkwardness of the story, giving it a stronger sense of direction.
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While The Shitheads has potential, it struggles to find a consistent voice. The film’s dramatic turns feel forced, like it’s trying too hard to fit the typical road-trip movie mold instead of developing naturally from its core ideas. Ultimately, the film suggests that true strength comes from understanding and empathy – recognizing that we’re all working through our own struggles and seeking healing. Fittingly, The Shitheads is a bit messy and uneven; despite its provocative title, it’s a thoughtful film that sometimes gets bogged down in its own unconventional style.
The film The Shitheads premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and received a review, but a release date hasn’t been announced yet.
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2026-01-26 22:20