Ben is Back

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 102 mins

Rated: R

Release Date: 2018

Countries: USA

Languages: English

DIRECTED BY:

Peter Hedges

WRITTEN BY:

Peter Hedges

CAST INCLUDES:

Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Tim Guinee, Kathryn Newton

ANGELIKA’S NOTE

Lucas Hedges (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) gives a note-perfect performance as 19-year-old drug addict Ben Burns. Indiewire raves, "Never more than a millisecond from losing his grip, Hedges' performance exists in the narrow space between coming back for a day, and being gone forever." After he returns home, his mother (Academy Award winner Julia Roberts), grapples with her fears as she does everything in her power to keep him safe. Oscar nominated Director/Writer Peter Hedges' (ABOUT A BOY, WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE) film ultimately becomes refreshingly understated, and managers to subvert family drama stereotypes. BEN IS BACK also stars Courtney B. Vance (THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON) and Kathryn Newton (LADY BIRD).

SYNOPSIS

Nineteen-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns to his family’s suburban home on Christmas Eve. Ben’s mom, Holly, is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son’s drug addiction. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother’s undying love gets put to the test as Holly does everything in her power to keep Ben clean.

Ben is Back

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 102 mins

Rated: R

Release Date: 2018

Countries: USA

Languages: English

DIRECTED BY

Peter Hedges

WRITTEN BY

Peter Hedges

CAST INCLUDES

Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Tim Guinee, Kathryn Newton

ANGELIKA’S NOTE
SYNOPSIS

"Most movies are focused directly on the present moment, following along with a story as it unfolds, but BEN IS BACK is different, creating the sense that the lives of each of its richly shaded characters continues even when she or he is not on-screen."

Variety

"Never more than a millisecond from losing his grip, Hedges' performance exists in the narrow space between coming back for a day, and being gone forever."

Indiewire

"Through it all, though, there's the magnificence of Julia Roberts, and the fine performances from Hedges, Vance and the rest of the cast. They do great justice to this finely constructed slice of fractured family life."

Chicago Sun-Times