Hello Destroyer

Hello Destroyer is a poignant drama from 2016, directed by Kevan Funk. The film features several notable stars, including Ben Cotton, Philip Prajoux, and Darren Mann, whose performances contribute significantly to the gritty and evocative narrative. Centered on the world of ice hockey, the film dives deep into the societal, psychological, and emotional implications that revolve around the machismo-filled contact sports arena and its potential to steer individuals towards self-destruction.

The film showcases a young, promising ice hockey player, Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson), whose life takes an unexpected turn after an incident during a game. Tyson, a rookie yet indispensable member of the minor-league hockey team, is portrayed as a quiet, introverted personality, with an unambiguous moral compass set against the realm of physically aggressive and competitive sportsmanship, making him an engrossing character to watch. This makes the ordeal and struggles he faces throughout the movie even more impactful, as we see him pitted against the disorienting power structures and masculine stereotypes of contact sports.

The incident during a game sets Tyson on a path that is far from the sports glory he initially aimed for. Instead, he finds himself embroiled in a systemic setup that seeks to exploit his situation for its advantage, leaking into every aspect of his life — personal, professional, and psychological. The viewer witnesses the gradual breakdown of this hopeful athlete as he struggles with the toxic, hyper-masculine culture of the sport, ultimately manifesting in his fallback to remorse and despair.

Further complicating Tyson's life is his support system, or rather, the lack of it. He feels increasingly alienated by his family; his father, a former hockey player himself and unable to comprehend his quiet demeanour. His teammates, whose camaraderie thrives exclusively within the sport, seem helpless and unsupportive outside that arena. His personal and romantic relationships are distressingly influenced by his experiences on the field and the emotional baggage it summons.

Interwoven into this tale is a critique of Canadian society, using the country's nationally beloved sport as a foundation. Director Kevan Funk meticulously depicts the aggression, machismo, and violence associated with the beloved pastime. The film works skillfully to highlight this juxtaposition, exploring the love for a sport that can simultaneously glorify and destroy its participants.

In terms of performance, Jared Abrahamson's portrayal of Tyson Burr is incredibly compelling. The silent anguish of Abrahamson's performance as Tyson effectively tells his sorrows, strength, and fears and the toll they have taken on him. Complementing Abrahamson's performance are Ben Cotton, Philip Prajoux, and Darren Mann, who offer exceptional performances. Ben Cotton, in particular, impresses with his nuanced portrayal of a complex character navigating through his guilt, trauma, and societal pressure.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of "Hello Destroyer" is its exploration of the consequences of violence, culpability, and the prevalent culture of masculinity within physical sports. It is set against the backdrop of the corporate ethos of profit that operates by reducing the individuals involved to mere dispensable units, only valuable as long as they are fit to perform.

Consequently, "Hello Destroyer" is a hard-hitting, thought-provoking movie that explores the unwelcome pressures associated with hypermasculinity and violence in sports through the downward spiral of Tyson Burr. The movie's stunning visuals, poignant performances, and impactful story make it a memorable addition to films dealing with sports and society. It's a journey that impeccably captures the pain, isolation, and shame athletes can experience and the injustices they contend within their pursuit of glory in the world of contact sports.

To sum it up, "Hello Destroyer" is an unforgettable examination of sports culture, questioning what society accepts as normative within these structures, and is definitely worth a watch.