Watch Holy Rollers
- R
- 2010
- 1 hr 29 min
-
5.9 (5,272)
Holy Rollers is a drama film set in the 1990s that follows the story of a Hasidic Jewish man, Sam Gold (played by Jesse Eisenberg), who becomes involved in a drug trafficking ring in order to support his family and community. At the beginning of the film, Sam is a devout and obedient son who spends his days studying the Torah and working at a fabric store with his friend and fellow Hasidic Jew, Leon (played by Jason Fuchs). Despite his religious devotion, Sam begins to feel restless and unfulfilled, longing for something more than his mundane existence.
One day, Sam is approached by his neighbor, Yosef Zimmerman (played by Justin Bartha), who offers him the opportunity to work as a pharmaceuticals courier. Sam takes the job, unaware that he is actually smuggling ecstasy pills into the United States for a larger drug trafficking operation.
As Sam becomes more deeply involved in the drug trade, he finds himself caught between the allure of easy money and the guilt and shame of betraying his faith and community. Along the way, he also falls in love with Rachel (played by Ari Graynor), a non-Hasidic woman who is unaware of his criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Sam's father (played by Mark Ivanir) becomes suspicious of his son's behavior and begins to investigate. This puts Sam's entire operation in jeopardy, and he must grapple with the consequences of his actions and the moral implications of his choices.
Holy Rollers delves deep into themes of faith, identity, and temptation, exploring the psychological and emotional toll of getting involved in the criminal world. The film also examines the clash between tradition and modernity, as Sam struggles to reconcile his religious beliefs with the secular world he finds himself in. Through the character of Sam, the film invites audiences to question their own values and beliefs, and to consider the consequences of their actions.
The performances in Holy Rollers are excellent, with Eisenberg delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Samâs internal struggle. Bartha is also convincing as Yosef, while Graynor brings a refreshing energy and humor to her role as Rachel. The film is beautifully shot, capturing the vibrancy and complexity of both the Hasidic and drug underworlds.
Overall, Holy Rollers is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that offers a unique perspective on faith, morality, and the American dream. It confronts viewers with difficult questions and challenges them to consider the consequences of their choices, making it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the human condition.
Holy Rollers is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 51.