If you have ever even considered taking drugs then maybe check out “Requiem For A Dream”. This unsettling film showcases the extreme lows of drug addiction. The movie has some wild editing and several graphic moments that will make you wince. At times, it maybe goes a bit too far in terms of what it shows.

Harry (Jared Leto “Suicide Squad”, “Fight Club”) and Tyrone (Marlon Wayans “Scary Movie”, “White Chicks”) will do anything to get their hands on some drugs to fuel their addiction. The two plan to sell drugs as well in order to escape their current situations. Harry has dreams of having a business with Marion (Jennifer Connelly “Rocketeer”, “Hulk”), his girlfriend (and another drug addict). While all this is happening, Harry’s mother, Sara (Ellen Burstyn “The Exorcist”), has become addicted to weight loss pills after she becomes convinced that she will be a contestant on her favourite game show.

Jared Leto is the least entertaining of the four main performers here. He looks most like a drug addict out of any of them but his performance is mediocre at best. He is never engaging and I never sympathised with him. Jennifer Connelly is really great as Marion. Marlon Wayans is surprisingly good here. I’m used to seeing him goof around in comedies but he’s convincing here. Ellen Burstyn gives a rather disturbing performance as Sara. Christopher McDonald (“Happy Gilmore”) appears throughout (usually via a television) as Tappy Tibbons, the presenter of Sara’s favourite show. He’s okay.

“Requiem For A Dream” is very disturbing at times and some of the sexual imagery near the end is a little too much. However, I think this movie is very powerful. It shows you the different ways that you can lose when you use drugs. Never having experienced drugs for myself, this movie is fascinating as we get to really visualise the effects of drugs on a small group of characters. This is a very good film from director Darren Aronofsky (“Noah”, “Black Swan”).