TIFF 2026 Review: Trash Mountain

Sometimes, going back home means confronting things you’ve spent years trying to avoid. That’s what I really appreciated about Trash Mountain, a heartfelt comedy-drama directed by Kris Rey and starring comedian Caleb Hearon, Zooey Deschanel and Jacki Weaver. The film follows Gavin (Caleb Hearon), a young gay man living in Chicago who returns to his hometown after his father’s death. Alongside his sister Abbi (Zooey Deschanel), he’s tasked with sorting through their father’s home, which has been filled with years of accumulated belongings. But what starts as the overwhelming task of cleaning out a hoarder’s house slowly becomes a story about family, grief and the importance of human connection.

What I really loved about Trash Mountain was its humour. Caleb Hearon is fantastic in the lead role, bringing a natural comedic energy that makes the film genuinely entertaining while still allowing room for more emotional moments. and what I found interesting about Gavin was how avoidant he could be. He has his own life in Chicago, and you can understand why he’d rather return to it than deal with the emotional and physical mess waiting for him back home.And honestly, I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to. Sometimes it’s easier to keep moving forward than to confront uncomfortable situations, especially when they involve family. But as the story progresses, Gavin begins to recognize the importance of slowing down, being present and reconnecting with the people around him.

What makes Trash Mountain interesting is how it uses hoarding as the starting point for a much bigger story. While the physical clutter is an obvious challenge, the film also explores the emotional baggage that families carry and how difficult it can be to confront the past. I also appreciated how naturally the film incorporates LGBTQ+ identity into Gavin’s story. His sexuality is part of who he is, but the film isn’t solely defined by it. Instead, it explores his relationships, his family and his personal growth. There’s a nice balance between the humour and the more meaningful moments, which makes the story feel relatable without becoming overly heavy.

Trash Mountain is a funny, heartfelt and surprisingly thoughtful film about family, grief and reconnecting with the people who matter. Caleb Hearon delivers a great performance, and I loved how the film uses humour to explore some genuinely difficult emotions. What stayed with me most was its message about emotional connection and how sometimes the things we try hardest to avoid are the things we need to face. If you enjoy indie films that balance comedy with meaningful storytelling, Trash Mountain is definitely worth watching.

Trash Mountain has no set official release date