Siblings Confront Hoarder Dad's 'Trash Mountain'

Gavin, a sardonic drag host from Chicago, is compelled to return to his rural Missouri roots after his father's passing. The unexpected news disrupts his life and upcoming Thanksgiving plans with his chosen family. He travels home to support his sister, Abi, facing immediate bureaucratic complications and a profound emotional burden.

The siblings are faced with the daunting task of clearing out their late father's home, which is heavily cluttered due to hoarding. This challenge, dubbed the 'trash mountain,' forces Gavin and Abi to confront not only the physical mess but also their complex family dynamics and personal histories. The film, co-written by star Caleb Hearon, balances moments of broad comedy, particularly from their grandmother, with the essential emotional core of the sibling relationship.

"Trash Mountain" premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently seeking U.S. distribution. The narrative avoids dramatic reveals, opting instead for a realistic portrayal of grief and familial reconciliation. The performances, especially by Hearon and Zooey Deschanel as Abi, anchor the film's tender and personal exploration of confronting literal and figurative mountains of the past.