Caleb Hearon's 'Trash Mountain' Is Officially 'The Family Stone' for a New Era | TIFF Review

Published Sep 15, 2026, 4:41 PM EDT

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It's always interesting when a popular comedian gets the chance to explore a more personal story on the screen. A comedian's voice and jokes translate differently from stage to screen, and doing too much or too little can disrupt the whole thing. So it's interesting that Caleb Hearon — star, executive producer, and co-writer of Trash Mountain — opted for a more subdued approach, with a film that feels like a classic '00s indie dramedy with a dash more optimism.

Working with director Kris Rey and co-writer Ruby Caster on his first film, Hearon crafted a whip-smart script about grief, family, expectations, community, and so much more. The lead pair of Hearon and Zooey Deschanel work well as semi-estranged siblings dealing with their hoarder father's affairs. Hearon is clearly working through his feelings here, and he becomes vulnerable enough to allow you to see through his flippant facade. Trash Mountain isn't rewriting the formula on quiet indie dramas that deliver laughs amid swelling emotions, but it's a nice addition to the genre.

What Is 'Trash Mountain' About?

Image via Hulu

Hearon stars as Gavin, who has long lived in Chicago after leaving his hometown in rural Missouri. With an established life, job, and community, Gavin has made his life his own, but is called back to his hometown with news of his father's death. Gavin reunites with his half-sister Abbi (Deschanel), her husband Adam (Kyle Marvin), and their grandmother Helen (Jacki Weaver), who all either support or annoy Gavin, who doesn't want to spend a second longer in Missouri than he needs.

Abbi and Gavin, who act like old friends, never skipping a beat after years apart, start to bond even more deeply while they deal with their hoarder father's house, packed with trinkets and items he just couldn't throw away. As Gavin starts to grow comfortable reconnecting with his family, he also journeys through the pain and reconciliation of his relationship with his father.

Small-town shenanigans are also present, as Gavin meets a local guy named Jerome (Jaboukie Young- White) for hookups while also running into old classmates, getting arrested, and searching for a needle in a big-ass pile of trash. These are all relatable moments that add to the sincerity of the film, while still giving Hearon the spotlight to deliver his trademark wit and critiques he's known for. Trash Mountain has a similar tone as comedy/dramas like The Skeleton Twins or The Family Stone, so it's not reinventing the wheel here. But it is an entertaining spin on the kind of family dramedy that doesn't get made all that often these days.

The script is tightly paced with nuanced and witty performances, though Weaver's Grandma Helen is a stand-out. The veteran screen actress steals multiple scenes, balancing comedy with an emotional truth that feels surprising when it finally erupts. Caster and Hearon give each character enough time to shine, though Weaver steals the scene any time she shows up on screen.

Director Kris Rey shines with this script, as she skillfully captures the simple joys of small town living as well as the awkwardness of returning to that life after years away. She uses wide shots to physically showcase Gavin's feelings of isolation and loneliness, even when he's surrounded by family and old friends. And despite the character's stubbornness, his icy exterior slowly melts and he finds himself able to compromise, giving way to tighter shots to accompany the mood. Though it's set during the winter in a small southern town, the film is surprisingly warm and vibrant with color.

'Trash Mountain' Lives and Dies by Caleb Hearon and Zooey Deschanel

Image via TIFF

If you've been on the Internet, there's a great chance you've seen Caleb Hearon on social media many times. His trademark wit and criticism on his podcast, So True, consistently provides laughs with every clip that pops up on Instagram and TikTok. So if you already enjoy his sense of humor, you will love Trash Mountain.

There are moments where Hearon's glibness and acerbic insight are very prominent in Gavin's own personality — of course they are, Hearon co-wrote the script. So your mileage may vary here, as Gavin can become somewhat insufferable as he navigates this difficult period in his life. He's a little mean, sometimes too sarcastic, and dismissive of the people who love and care for him. But that's life, that's growth. And it's how many individuals would react to being thrust back into a life they desperately tried to leave behind.

Gavin's grief and unresolved feelings for his father make for a compelling and personal journey, as Hearon himself has spoken at length about how his personal life informed this story. And as he points out constantly, it only works because of Deschanel's performance as Abbi. She helps pry open Gavin's heart with her own vulnerability and insecurities on full display. She just wants to be a good sister and friend to Gavin, but he has barriers and biases that prevent him from allowing it to truly happen. A particular conversation in the film really plucks those heartstrings, when Abbi expresses remorse for Gavin's own feelings, knowing that he resents being back in that small town — because she thinks that means Gavin also resents her on some level. It's a complex emotional moment, one that's all too relatable for many people. And Trash Mountain threads those needles with skill, pushing Abbi and Gavin closer than they've ever been.

It's always a treat to see Deschanel on the screen, given that she has been more selective with her roles since New Girl ended in 2018. She just brings a charisma and warmth that's inherent in all of her appearances, and her rapport with Hearon is definitely the hook of Trash Mountain.

Trash Mountain will definitely resonate with many viewers, especially those who have fraught relationships with their families and those who have left an old life behind them. It hinges on two strong performances and a smart, subdued script that provides plenty of laughs and warmth, making it a satisfying entry into the lexicon of family dramas. As far as a first attempt at screenwriting goes, Hearon clearly has a long career ahead of him.

Trash Mountain

7 10

Cast

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  Abbi

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  Caleb Hearon

  Gavin

Pros & Cons

• Caleb Hearon and Ruby Caster's script is tight, allowing the talented cast to shine in eruptions of comedy and grief.
• Hearon and Zoey Deschanel's chemistry is extremely strong, and their scenes create the backbone for the film.

• It's an all-too-familiar story about family bonding and trauma, though it is done well.