Things that Hang from Trees constitutes American director Ido Mizrahy's debut feature. As adapted by singer-songwriter Aaron Louis Tordini from his own novella, this defiantly eccentric drama unfolds on a surreal, southern gothic landscape. Eight-year-old Tommy, incorrectly read as mentally-impaired by many of the local townspeople, lives alone with his skanky mother (Deborah Kara Unger), a sex shop owner. This emotionally troubled child also struggles with painful memories of his abusive, estranged father (Ray McKinnon) - whose mistreatment he recreates in a self-flagellating manner by systematically subjecting himself to the sadism of the local bully (Ryan Parker). While the town barber (Daniel von Bargen) - a psychotic religious nut - obsesses over Tommy's mother, Tommy fantasizes about watching the town fireworks from atop the local lighthouse. The boy finally realizes this dream, but when he descends, he happens upon a shocking discovery that changes his world forever by bringing a permanent end to his childhood innocence.
~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide