After pursuing a career typified by performances that have elevated her critical standing and transformed her into something of a role model… Portman appears to be finally letting her hair down “You should see my character in Your Highness” she beams with a sweet smile, referring to the swords, sorcery and skunk movie she recently shot in Northern Ireland with the crew behind Pineapple Express “I kick some serious ass”. Empire doesn’t doubt her- we’ve been on the set of the movie (out in October) and have witnessed her small, furry bikini and her big set of weapons- and we’re all too aware that she’ll slay many a ruffian before hurtling full throttle into an unlikely but tempestuous fling with stoner-cum-rubbish-knight Danny McBride “It’s a really funny script” smiles Portman “and a little bit rude”.

It’s unconventional, edgy, and manages to accomplish something it seems can only be pulled off by taking the indie route; it successfully merges comedy and drama.

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Young Brochu hits all the right notes as T.J, making the kid instantly likable, and personable. Ditto Portman, although she’s probably a bit too beautiful to be playing a mousy supermarket cashier.

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Despite a few negative reviews from the trades, and some bad buzz from the older generation of critics, I still think HESHER has what it takes to become a mainstream success. The younger generation of critics at Sundance (myself included) all seemed to love it.