Hekla movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Hekla

This new, artsy film premiered at the “Dances with Films” on June 23, 2026. You can learn more about it at: https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-hekla/

RATING: R (Contains some mature thematic elements, language, and relationship drama)

LENGTH: 1 hour 29 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL

Written and directed by Michael Glover Smith alongside co-writer and star Elizabeth Stam, Hekla follows a chaotic, bittersweet day in the life of a determined Chicago actress. Over the course of a single 24-hour period, Hekla juggles four grueling auditions, a painful recent breakup, and constant self-doubt while trying to find her true voice in a competitive industry. Shot mostly in beautiful black-and-white with sudden, surreal bursts of color, this indie dramedy explores the emotional cost and quiet triumphs of chasing a creative dream.

HEKLA is a comedy/drama about the emotional cost of pursuing a creative life. Set over one hectic day in Chicago, it explores how ambition, identity, and vulnerability collide when you’re chasing something as personal – and uncertain – as an acting career. Beneath the humor and dramatic momentum lies a story about the importance of showing up for yourself, even when the world isn’t clapping for you yet.

The film was written by Elizabeth Stam and Michael Glover Smith (Relative) and was directed by Smith. HEKLA represents Stam’s first leading role in a feature film as well as her first time stepping into behind-the-camera roles as producer and co-writer.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• The film features some mature themes regarding romantic LGBTQ breakups and the emotional toll of adult relationships.

• Some mild profanity and standard adult language.

• Characters are seen navigating stressful situations and emotional anxiety.

• Overall, it is a character-driven independent film, but younger children will likely find the slow-paced, theatrical dialogue and black-and-white presentation boring. It is best suited for teens and up.

THEMES

• Artistic persistence and resilience

• Navigating relationships

• Identity, vulnerability, and self-worth

• The reality vs. the dream of an acting career

• Showing up for yourself even when the world isn’t clapping for you yet

THINGS I LIKED

• Elizabeth Stam’s Performance: She is an absolute chameleon on screen. She effortlessly balances the physical comedy of a messy Chicago commute with deeply moving, vulnerable dramatic monologues.

• The Visual Style: The sharp black-and-white cinematography gives the city of Chicago a gorgeous, timeless feel. The creative choice to pivot into bright, vivid color during Hekla’s imaginative and theatrical peaks is brilliant.

• The Narration: Twin Peaks icon Wendy Robie lends her legendary, omniscient voice to narrate Hekla’s day, which elevates the film’s unique, meta structure.

• Authentic Lived-In Feel: The movie avoids Hollywood glitz and perfectly captures the awkward, unglamorous rituals of trying to make rent while waiting around for callbacks.

• Realistic scenarios: The entire movie reminded me of one of my nieces, who is currently going through soooo many similar experiences in her life as the protagonist in this story.
• Support: We can see the importance of having a good support system when you’re stretching yourself to reach your dreams. The protagonist is outstanding at putting herself out there, getting outside her comfort zone, networking, and never giving up.
• Humor: While the movie has many dramatic moments, there is a lot of situational humor, although it’s often subtle. This is not a slapstick comedy, but a look at a typical day in the life of someone trying to make her way in this world.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE

• Pacing and Structure: Because the entire narrative is packed into a single day across four distinct audition acts, the structure can occasionally feel a little repetitive or sprawling.

• Niche Appeal: If you aren’t involved in theater or the creative arts, some of the inside jokes and meta commentary about the acting industry might feel a little hyper-specific.

• LGBTQ: If you’re not interested in watching LGBTQ relationships, you’ll probably want to skip this one.

FUNNY LINES

• “They told me they’d call either way. Spoiler alert: they never call either way.“

INTERESTING LINES

• TAGLINE for the film: “Beneath the humor lies a story about the importance of showing up for yourself, even if the world isn’t clapping for you yet.”

• “How do we see ourselves in dreams versus the monochromatic reality of waking up?”

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE

• Frances Ha – For another wonderful, black-and-white look at a young woman clumsily but beautifully navigating her creative dreams and friendships in the city.

• Inside Llewyn Davis – For a slightly more melancholic look at the grueling, cyclical daily struggle of a working artist.

• Relative – Michael Glover Smith’s previous ensemble feature which also stars Elizabeth Stam!

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