Ben Is Back

(spoiler free)

Keeping it in the family director Peter Hedges’ ‘Ben Is Back’ is the second addiction drama in only a number of months following the release of Felix Van Groeningen’s ‘Beautiful Boy’ back in January. Instead of the Father & Son dynamic represented in that film here the focus is on a Mother & Son relationship. The film stars Lucas Hedges, the director’s son, as Ben, a recovering drug addict and Julia Roberts as Holly, his mother. The film takes place across one day, Christmas Eve as Ben returns home for the holidays, however his return doesn’t go down well with everyone.

The film has very little set up, with audiences being thrown straight into this already very established family situation. As a result the pacing at the start of the film is a little uneven and it may well take time for viewers to settle into the drama. Nonetheless, ‘Ben Is Back’ quickly finds its stride and pacing is no issue at all from this point on. Although, at times the film finds it hard to shake its somewhat TV movie feel, not entirely helped by its festive setting. However what ensures the film overcomes this smaller scale production feel is the outstanding performances from its leading cast. Lucas Hedges and Julia Roberts are truly awesome here portraying their characters with such power and emotion. It’s helpful that both of these performers already have such wonderful charisma but their ability to compel the audience in these challenging roles consistently elevates this addiction drama.

‘Ben Is Back’ is often an incredibly emotional film, no surprise really when the subject matter is considered. Putting the spotlight on Roberts’ character, Holly, was really effective for channeling this emotion. It’s such an honest and raw portrayal of this mother who’d do anything to protect her son. The results are often shocking but you can’t deny that the actions depicted here offer an effortlessly believable representation of this character and of her love for and determination to save her son. Hedges is the excellent other half of this dynamic on screen duo, who gives an equally as heartbreaking performance creating an immediate connection with both his co-star and the audience watching. Whilst the film is unmistakably emotional Hedges’ screenplay also makes room for some moments of comedy. These often feature rather dark humour but their presence gives an authenticity to this portrayal of family life and helps keep the momentum of the film moving forward at an always engaging pace.

So whilst ‘Ben Is Back’ isn’t at all the warm and fuzzy festive film that its setting might suggest this addiction drama is really worth your time. In moments it might not feel worthy of the big screen treatment but Hedges & Roberts consistently prove that it is. Their heart-wrenching fight against Ben’s addiction will move audiences to tears and have them on the edge of their seats. In addition to the abundance of quality dramatic performances ‘Ben Is Back’ also puts an element of drug addiction under the spotlight that many won’t have previously considered, shedding an entirely new light on the subject and thereby hopefully further enlightening audiences everywhere.

Written by Hamish Calvert

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Rating – 8/10

Question: What’s your favourite Julia Roberts film performance?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

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