Tom Holland’s performance in the new film “Cherry” is not for the faint of heart. 

Though the “Spider-Man” actor has an amazing performance in this dark tale of love, PTSD and drugs, the audience is taken on an overwhelming descent into the depression and downfall of a former army medic living in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Directed by Anthony and Joseph Russo, known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Cherry” is based on the 2018 novel by Nico Walker.

The novel is mostly autobiographical and based on Walker’s own harrowing experiences touring Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to the U.S., where he fell prey to addiction and committed serial crimes. 

Die-hard Spider-Man fans may not be prepared to see Holland portray a drastically darker character compared to Peter Parker. Holland’s unnamed character in “Cherry” is a walking embodiment of pain. 

The story begins by showing Holland, a twitchy, shaky mess of a man with sweat beading down his forehead as he’s about to rob a bank. 

The Russo brothers show how the 23-year-old reached this point by taking viewers back to the beginning of when he hit rock bottom. 

Through a series of poor choices and unfortunate events, Holland’s character drops out of college and drags himself into the Iraq war as an army medic. He comes home only to battle another war with his newfound demons of severe undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. 

He then spirals into addiction by using whatever drugs he can get, each one more dangerous than the last until he finds a liking for heroin. 

Following him through this downturn is Emily, played by former Nickelodeon star Ciara Bravo, who joins his journey from college to drugs. 

His relationship with Emily is tested as they both navigate their plunging spiral into bad habits. 

To fund their addiction, Holland’s character and the help of his delinquent friends, turn to bank robbing and rob 11 Cleveland banks in four months. 

While the acting, structure and artistic directorial choices are robust, the film is a graphic and gritty depiction of an all too real misery. For some, it may be too hard to watch. 

Though the film is two and a half hours, it still feels as though the Russo brothers were packing in a little too much. 

As the credits roll, viewers are left with a bitter sorrowful feeling. This attempt to delve into the pain and suffering of Nico Walker’s life is enough to remind viewers that wars don’t end when soldiers’ boots hit U.S. soil again.

His backstory and understanding of what led him to commit the crimes he did, reaffirms how good people can still do bad things. 

Those who’ve battled with opioid addiction or traumatic experiences from serving in the military may find the film too close for comfort. 

Although brutal and sincere, the film struggles with slow moments as the Russo brothers focus on different periods of Walker’s life.

This is a film a viewer experiences, not one that will entertain them. It’s not a casual, family-friendly story because it’s heart-wrenching, engaging and thought-provoking.