Hippo bites with its own teeth. It doesn’t ask for approval. It charges forward, unapologetic and raw. Mark H. Rapaport’s debut feature packs its world with awkward silences and piercing truths. It’s messy. But also human. And very hilarious.

Heart

The story follows two step-siblings, played by Kimball Farley and Lilla Kizlinger. Their dynamic is the heart of the film. They’re weird together, yet real. Farley’s performance is bold, almost reckless. He’s not afraid to be unlikeable. Kizlinger’s screen time might feel limited, but she anchors every scene she’s in. She listens, reacts, and leaves an imprint.

The writing is tight, yet it feels loose. Every line hits, but the delivery makes it natural. Scenes stretch, but they never overstay. Rapaport and Farley’s script balances absurd humor with crushing emotion. It’s a juggling act, and they don’t drop the ball.

Balance

The film’s look feels deliberate. It’s shot in a way that’s casual but pointed. Details in the frame tell their own story. Light falls on faces just right. A cluttered room says more than a monologue ever could. There’s a beauty in its ugliness.

Eric Roberts provides taught narration. Jesse Pimentel surprises with moments that stick with you. The supporting cast doesn’t fade. They shine when the camera finds them.

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At 91 minutes, the film doesn’t drag. It knows when to start and when to stop. Some moments will make you laugh. Others will make you squirm. A few will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Impact

Hippo won’t be for everyone. It’s quirky and offbeat. It doesn’t follow rules. But that’s the point. It’s cinema with a pulse. It’s alive.

Rapaport’s voice is loud and clear. This debut feels personal, even intimate. It shows us something true, even if it’s uncomfortable. It sticks its landing and leaves a mark.

Watch this film. Love it or hate it, you’ll feel something. And that’s what movies should do.

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