It’s not often that a film can address alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and abandonment and still manage to be uplifting. But that’s the aim of “Gimme Shelter,” which opened to national audiences this weekend. The film stars Vanessa Hudgens as Apple, a pregnant teen who leaves her drug and alcohol-addicted, abusive mother, played by Rosario Dawson, in search of her estranged father, who is played by Brendan Fraser.
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In what many are predicting is a break-out role for Hudgens, who seems to aspire to cast off her image as a cute teen star, her portrayal of Apple has been praised as gritty and genuine. The film is timely, too, as the numbers of individuals dealing with alcohol and drug addiction seem to be growing. Apple, who makes terrible, rash decisions, especially in the early segments of the film and suffers the consequences, stands in sharp contrast to say, Justin Bieber, whose fame and fortune seem to make him immune to the consequences of his dumb moves. In that, Hudgen’s Apple provides a realistic reminder for teens—both girls and boys—that decisions have ripple effects. But the film also reminds viewers that redemption is possible, and that love can re-emerge, even from the cloud of addiction.
Have you seen, or are you planning to see Gimme Shelter? Let us know what you think in Comments, below!
