When an unlikely friendship forms between Shy (Silas Howard) and Valentine (Harry Dodge), they begin traveling through life at a new, dangerous speed. Together they commit petty crimes and they do all that they can to find themselves and one another. Their journey through life has been anything but normal, and By Hook or By Crook tells their story just as things seem to be looking up.
By Hook or By Crook feels old, older than it actually is. There’s a grittiness to it (physically and tonally) that feeds into the film, helps to develop the storyline, and ultimately draws viewers into it. That grittiness is essential to the film, because without it I believe that the film would feel incomplete. By Hook or By Crook is a low-budget independent film that leans heavily on storytelling in order to be successful–but storytelling is never enough in my opinion to make a film successful–and it seems that this team is well aware of that fact. The story itself is intense (yet fun), and it does a great job of reeling in viewers and keeping them engaged. However, there needs to be another layer to the film, something else that attracts viewers and keeps them interested throughout. That’s where the grittiness comes into play.
This aspect of the film lets viewers know that By Hook or By Crook is very aware of itself–and it constantly reminds viewers that this is a dark story that dives into some left-of-center topics, and that, in a much more meta sense, it’s not perfect. Again, with the fact that By Hook or By Crook is very aware of itself, I don’t think it’s attempting to be perfect. It seems that the film wants to be a genuine reflection of the real world–a place where everything is far from perfect, but things still work. That’s what this film accomplishes throughout its entirety–and that’s done by being honest with itself and understanding its limits and all of its capabilities.
While the film is often physically dark, and the tone is certainly darker in nature–there is a bit of light that always finds its way through. There are a series of moments strewn throughout By Hook or By Crook that are funny and lighthearted, and they help to juxtapose the heavier notes that exist, creating a nice balance.
This film is ultimately a very specific look at mental health. By Hook or By Crook analyzes the series of mental struggles that often come our way–but through the eyes of two unique individuals. In 2001 the community being represented throughout the course of this film didn’t have the same platform that they do today–that’s just a fact, but Writer-Directors Dodge and Howard, along with Writer Stanya Kahn, presented the world with something that was, in a lot of ways, groundbreaking. It viciously attacked ideas surrounding mental health, but the purpose of the film doesn’t seem to be just to debunk these ideas, but rather explore them in their entirety. Viewers are provided an in-depth look at a series of struggles, and we are able to better understand and appreciate both Sly and Valentine as a result of the way in which the narrative is presented.
By Hook or By Crook exists in a niche place in cinema, a place that not many are willing to explore (a place that many likely don’t even know exists). However, the film does exist, and it serves an important purpose beyond entertainment. The film is certainly entertaining, but that’s not why it was made–and By Hook or By Crook extends itself far beyond this. Viewers are able to learn along the way and genuinely appreciate the messages developed by Howard, Dodge, and the rest of the team. By Hook or By Crook is a gritty, bumpy ride–and it’s incredibly important.
Directed by Harry Dodge & Silas Howard.
Written by Harry Dodge, Silas Howard, & Stanya Kahn.
Starring Silas Howard, Harry Dodge, Stanya Kahn, Carina Gia, James Cotner, Joan Jett, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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