Writer/Director: Peter Hedges
Starring: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges and Courtney B. Vance
‘Powerful Drug-Addiction Drama’
Imagine being the mother of a drug-addicted teenager. You haven’t seen your son in years, due to his severe drug addiction. Now, it’s Christmas Eve a time to celebrate and leave all worries behind. Then, all of a sudden, your son appears unannounced at home all clean and sober. His unexpected arrival triggers strong emotions in the family. Some feel that he should stay, while others want him out. How would you react in this situation as a parent? Would you be able to remain calm and welcome your son home or fear that he may cause trouble?
This is the intriguing premise of Peter Hedges’ latest film “Ben is Back”. A riveting drug-addiction drama, it explores issues which are rarely seen in films today. With his latest feature, director Peter Hedges takes an insightful look at drug addiction and its consequences on a family. With an authentic script and excellent performances from the leading stars, Hedges crafts an unforgettable portrait of drug use among youth. While the film is undeniably effective in its depiction of drug addiction, it falters in its second half when it becomes a crime-thriller. That being said, “Ben is Back” delivers a powerful message that deserves to be seen and heard.
Starring Lucas Hedges in the title role, “Ben is Back” follows nineteen-year old Ben Burns who returns home to his family on Christmas Eve. Ben is a recovering drug addict that has made the choice to stay clean and repair his relationship with his family. Holly (Julia Roberts), his mother, welcomes him home with open arms but worries that he may fall back on old habits. Over the course of 24 hours, secrets are revealed, bonds are tested and a mother’s relationship with her son begins to fall apart.
If there’s anyone that knows how to make an engaging family drama, it is writer/director Peter Hedges. Ever since he stepped onto the scene with “Pieces of April” in 2003, Hedges has proven to be an expert of the genre. His films always focus on families, and the things that pull them apart. With “Ben is Back”, Hedges has crafted an intimate family drama about drug addiction. It’s a contentious issue that most filmmakers shy away from and avoid. However, Hedges manages to do justice to the subject matter by striking the right tone. At times, “Ben is Back” is dark and depressing when it depicts the struggles that drug addicts face. Yet, the film is also hopeful and optimistic. By striking a fine balance between these moods, director Peter Hedges crafts a highly effective drug addiction drama.
Another reason why “Ben is Back” succeeds is due to the screenplay. It is not easy to create an authentic portrayal of a drug addict, but the script pulls this off seamlessly. From the moment the movie begins, we’re immediately sucked into the life of a teenager struggling with addiction. In the hands of any other filmmaker, it’s a premise that could have easily been sugar-coated or treated in a heavy-handed manner. Thankfully, though, Peter Hedges manages to avoid these pitfalls with “Ben is Back”. Instead, he takes a realistic approach to telling the story of a drug addict using sympathetic characters and believable scenarios. Each character is fully developed and larger-than-life, particularly the mother and son. Over the course of the film, we come to care about these people and become emotionally invested in their lives.
As far as acting is concerned, “Ben is Back” features the most powerful performances of the year. Every actor in the cast is at the top of their game, but the film is mainly a showcase for the two leading stars. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges are perfectly cast in the lead roles, creating a mother-son relationship that is utterly believable.
Julia Roberts is unforgettable in the role of a mother determined to save her son from the ravages of addiction. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, fierce and commanding in the role of a strong-willed mother. It’s a role that marks a dramatic departure for Roberts, who has spent most of her career playing the lead in romantic comedies. It’s an emotionally draining role, but Roberts manages do it full justice. With soulful expressions, she captures the fear, desperation and helplessness of a mother raising a drug addict. It’s a tremendously moving performance from one of the finest movie-stars working today.
Lucas Hedges is terrific in the role of a troubled teenager struggling with drug addiction. Following his star-making turn in “Manchester by the Sea”, Hedges continues to prove that he is one of the finest actors of his generation. As a teenager with drug addiction, Hedges is utterly believable. Whether he is arguing with his mother or negotiating a drug deal, Hedges is convincing in every aspect of the role. It is not easy to portray a drug addict, but the actor manages to pull it off effortlessly. It’s a remarkable performance that showcases the struggles that teenagers addicted to drugs face.
Although “Ben is Back” offers a powerfully acted portrait of drug addiction, ultimately it is not a film without flaws. If I had a minor issue with the movie, it would be the structure. The film is divided into two different sections: an intimate family drama in the first half and a crime thriller in the latter half. The first half of the movie which focuses on Ben’s return home and his relationship with his mother is thoroughly engaging. However, when the film switches to a crime thriller in the second half it stumbles. While the acting remains terrific, the story loses its sense of realism and becomes slightly predictable. As a result, this is where the film starts to lose steam and test the viewer’s patience.
Due to its disturbing subject matter, “Ben is Back” is a film that will not appeal to everyone. Some viewers will be moved by its message, while others will find it upsetting and tough to sit through.
Whether the reaction is positive or negative, one thing is for sure: the film will spark interesting discussions on drug addiction in the years to come.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
You must be logged in to post a comment.