Seeing more than two directors attributed to a film can raise concerns and uncertainty about the outcome. In the case of “Lemonheads,” the film indeed credits three directors: Ryder Doupé, Dawson Doupé, and Todd Tapper. Together, they have crafted a story that delves into the complex world of addiction and the lengths some individuals go to satisfy their cravings. The movie primarily focuses on the characters George Johnson and Samuel Wyatt, portrayed by Leo and Louis respectively. These two cousins, bound by both their family ties and their shared struggle with addiction, take center stage in this thought-provoking film.

As Leo embarks on his quest in the Lemonheads movie, his determination is pivotal. Despite the disappointments along the way, each failed interaction with dealers only fuels his desire further. Just when Leo begins to lose hope, he unexpectedly crosses paths with the notorious figures known as Oscar and Neil. They offer Leo an opportunity like no other—to eliminate their biggest rival in exchange for unimaginable success.

The narrative takes place at Christmas and finishes up rather bloodily on Christmas morning. Each character just as seedy if not worse than the next, Lemonheads pumps through the bottom dwellers of the drug world. Performances are convincing overall with Wyatt’s Louis remaining a favorite for me personally. His understated naivety and restraint are an asset to his role.

Christmas Eve Junkies

The concepts behind the story are what kept me hanging in there. It’s dark and dingy and full of helpless and vulnerable people. But Leo and Louis are caught up in the fantasy of being rewarded with enough drugs so they can simply do drugs. A lot. The prospect of being able to get their fix and not have to look to buy is what ultimately drives them to take on committing murder. It really gives you a sense of how a person with a substance abuse disorder’s mind works and why the cycle is so strong.

By the time the Lemonheads film arrives at the forbidden castle where Skinner sits atop his fortress of drug-addled women, it’s easy to see that no good will come. Leo and Louis aren’t criminal masterminds. They want to get this one murder-iffic errand out of the way so they can go and shoot up. There’s really no plan and no serious thought put into what they are about to do.

Despite a well-trodden drug abuse cycle setting, Lemonheads is a solid independent film. Even with three directors and writers. In this instance, it all pulls together nicely. Unsure this sort of depressive cinematography and storyline is the best use of a Christmas holiday movie backdrop, but there are certainly worse ways to spend your time.

The Lemonheads movie is rated

3 Lemonheads film is a hidden movie gem out of 5

Mother of Movies score

Lemonheads Movie Trailer

What are you snacking on while you watch movies? Try these Lemonhead Candies from Amazon. Mother of Movies recommends adding Time Addicts, Fried Barry, or Cocaine Bear if you want another drug-themed movie to watch next.

George Johnson and Samuel Wyatt play Leo and Louis in Lemonheads

Available to rent or buy on Amazon Video in the USA. Australia has Lemonheads on Amazon Prime free with a subscription. Lemonheads was acquired as a screener for the purposes of review.
The Lemonheads movie cast includes George Jonson, Samuel Wyatt, Jeffery Dean, William Shockley, Darren Keefe Reiher, and Antonio Leon.