Director Sean Baker’s previous films are Tangerine and The Florida Project (my review), both of which have a gritty, guerilla feel and unique casts (many of whom are not actors). He continues his love of working (or in this case non-working) class people in low-rent situations. Simon Rex stars as an over-the-hill porn star who returns to his small hometown in Texas, where he tries to reconnect with the people he left behind. There are lots of loose, coarse interactions with a variety of sketchy types, but it’s Rex’s film. His manic character is both charming and dreadful (his roller coaster revelation is especially poignant). Newcomer Suzanna Son, as the sweet redhead Strawberry, is resplendent on the screen. While the pacing never drags, the film could have used some tightening, but the cavalcade of gritty characters, dominated by Rex’s portrayal, are what make the film worth watching. FYI, the title is slang for a dog’s erection, which is NOT explained in the movie, so I’ll leave it to your imagination. 
(4 / 5)
