[usr 4]
A drug-addicted teenage boy shows up unexpectedly at his family’s home on Christmas Eve.
Lucas Hedges has been on a roll for over a year now. He has garnered critical praise from films like “Boy Erased” and “Manchester by the Sea,” which he was nominated for. The best part about him is his willingness to switch up his characters from playing a closeted love interest in “Lady Bird” to a delinquent big brother in “Mid90s.” “Ben Is Back” adds another different character to his resume alongside legendary actress Julia Roberts whose track record speaks for itself. Filmmaker Peter Hedges, who has been around the block as a writer/director (“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”) is blessed to have these two has stars of this film because this is one heartfelt and emotional film.
As expected, Hedges and Roberts are great in the film. When Ben (Hedges) leaves sober rehab prematurely to surprise his family for Christmas, his mother (Roberts) has to help Ben stay afloat in the house for one day. When word spreads that Ben is back, pun not intended, chaos is thrown into the family as Ben now has to face the demons that got him in trouble in the first place. The family dynamic is great with Courtney B. Vance playing Neal, Roberts’ new husband, who is skeptical of Ben and all the trouble he brings to the family. Lucas Hedges reunites with Kathryn Newton who plays his little sister Ivy. She, unfortunately, is my least favorite character as some of her motives didn’t align with other parts of the film. Either way, the cast is phenomenal and is the standout.
The story, for the most part, is great. The film jumps right in and doesn’t fluff anything at the beginning. There are many powerful scenes between family, especially between Hedges’ and Roberts’ characters that, towards the end, you do genuinely feel for them. The movie does have an added subplot of this drug underbelly that is that is the weakest part because it doesn’t feel as the developed and doesn’t hold as much weight. The message about substance abuse and getting help just borders that line of preachy and doesn’t feel like you’re being hit over the head with it. Another problem I had was some of the directing choices. There were times where the film had a soap opera look to it which took away from the cinematic feel. I liked a lot of the cinematography, specifically when it went handheld because it added grit to the film but there is also a good amount of it that is nothing to write home about. But I did feel like Peter Hedges did a fine job with crafting the film.
All in all, I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster that “Ben Is Back” put me on. Great performances all around. A story that by the end of it may have you tearing up and some moments that may be relatable to any family going through a struggle. Peter Hedges doesn’t completely wow me but this a movie you definitely need to see this award season.
In theaters Friday, December 7th
