Today’s quick review: Hard Surfaces. Adrian Jacobs (Shawn Pyfrom), a photographer who takes pictures of drug addicts, has to rethink his lifestyle when his estranged sister dies, leaving him custody of her daughter Maddy (Hannah Victoria Stock). Adrian tries to provide a good home for Maddy but runs into trouble managing his own drug use and keeping the nature of his work a secret from Sophie Moreno (Sophie Kargman), Maddy’s social worker.
Hard Surfaces is a drama about drug addiction and fatherhood. Adrian’s adoption of Maddy changes both of their lives, pushing Adrian towards a crisis as he tries to reconcile his abuse of cocaine and prescription drugs with his desire to care for his newfound daughter. Hard Surfaces does not hold any real surprises, but it executes its premise with skill. Solid acting and a fulfilling story make it a worthwhile pick for those interested.
Hard Surfaces has strong fundamentals. The characters are deep enough to carry the story, with Adrian in particular showing the internal conflicts and range of emotions he needs to tie the movie together. The supporting cast does their jobs well, especially Adrian’s girlfriend Liz (Julia Voth) and best friend Steve (Chase Fein). The script is not as deep or as moving as some films, but it keeps the audience’s interest throughout.
Hard Surfaces has a few minor flaws. There are some aspects of the story that feel contrived, although not in a way that distracts from the main plot. Adrian’s relationship with Maddy is not as fleshed out as it could be, although the story does both of them justice individually. And while Adrian’s development over the course of the movie is rock-solid, it’s missing the artistry and thematic depth seen in the best dramas.
Give Hard Surfaces a shot when you’re in the mood for a straightforward but satisfying story about a man trying to better himself for his daughter. Hard Surfaces does not dig as deep as some dramas, nor does it leave as lasting an impression. But it does tell an interesting story with a fair amount of skill, giving it a niche as both a father-daughter movie and a more accessible take on drug addiction.
For a much more harrowing story about drug addiction, try Requiem for a Dream. For a crime drama about a hitman whose life is changed by finding a surrogate daughter, try The Professional.
[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4698940/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for capably handled drama.