Putty Hill (2010)
A quiet, elegiac indie drama set in Baltimore, where grief becomes a window into the lives of those left behind.
Putty Hill - Movie Information
- Original Title: Putty Hill
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Matthew Porterfield
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 18, 2010 (Germany), March 18, 2010 (United States)
- Production Companies: The Hamilton Film Group
- Production Countries: United States of America
Putty Hill - Plot
Friends and family of Cory, a young man who has died of an overdose, gather at a Baltimore-area karaoke bar for his wake and compare stories about him. Gradually, as it becomes clear that there are many holes in their recollections about Cory, they fill in the blanks by talking about things that reveal aspects of their own lives. Among those mourning him and searching for meaning are his cousin Jenny, his sister Zoe and his brother James.
Putty Hill - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this intimate Baltimore drama.
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Putty Hill - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Matthew Porterfield
Main Cast
- Sky Ferreira
- Cody Ray
- Dustin Ray
- James Siebor Jr.
- Zoe Vance
Writers
- Jordan Mintzer
- Matthew Porterfield
Putty Hill - FAQs
What is Putty Hill about?
Putty Hill follows the friends and family of Cory, a young Baltimore man who died of a drug overdose, as they gather at a local karaoke bar for his wake. Through fragmented memories and candid conversations, the mourners gradually reveal as much about their own lives as they do about the man they lost.
Who directed Putty Hill?
Putty Hill was directed by Matthew Porterfield, a Baltimore-based independent filmmaker. The film is his second feature and is noted for its naturalistic, semi-documentary style, blending non-professional actors with a loosely structured narrative rooted in the rhythms of working-class Baltimore life.
Who are the main actors in Putty Hill?
The cast of Putty Hill includes Sky Ferreira as Jenny, Cody Ray as Cody, Dustin Ray, James Siebor Jr., and Zoe Vance as Zoe. Notably, Sky Ferreira — who would later become a well-known pop musician — appears in an early screen role as the deceased's cousin.
Is Putty Hill based on a true story?
Putty Hill is not based on a single documented true story, but it draws heavily from real life. Director Matthew Porterfield cast actual Baltimore residents, many playing versions of themselves, and the film's themes of loss, addiction, and community reflect genuine social realities of the neighborhoods where it was shot.
Where can you stream Putty Hill?
Putty Hill is available to stream on Kanopy for free. Kanopy is accessible through many public libraries and universities. For a full and up-to-date list of viewing options in your region, you can check JustWatch.
How long is Putty Hill?
Putty Hill has a runtime of 87 minutes, making it a lean and focused feature. Its brevity suits the film's quiet, observational style — Porterfield uses the compact running time to sustain an intimate mood without overstaying its welcome or diluting its emotional impact.
Was Sky Ferreira's role in Putty Hill her film debut?
Putty Hill represents one of Sky Ferreira's earliest acting appearances, predating her rise to pop stardom. She plays Jenny, the deceased's cousin. The role showcases a raw, understated quality that aligns with the film's documentary-inflected aesthetic, and it remains a notable early credit in her career.
What is the filmmaking style of Putty Hill?
Putty Hill employs a hybrid documentary approach, with director Matthew Porterfield conducting on-camera interviews with characters mid-narrative. Cinematographer Jeremy Saulnier captures the film with an unadorned, observational eye. The result feels closer to a portrait of a community than a conventional dramatic story, blurring fiction and documentary seamlessly.
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