Perhaps the perfect unintentional follow up to this year’s family drama Beautiful Boy, starring Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell, is the Lucas Hedges and Julia Roberts-fronted drama, Ben is Back.
While both films tell the story of a boy dealing with the damaging effects of substance abuse and a supportive family member doing whatever they can to keep him sober, that is where the similarities between the two films end. Ben is Back, directed by Lucas’s father Peter Hedges, takes place after the addiction has been acknowledged and instead focuses on a young man trying to stay sober. In this touching portrait of the PTSD of a recovering addict, Ben is Back is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that showcases the special, undeniable bond between a mother and son.
The prodigal (newly-sober) son returns home
In a small, gloomy suburb of New York City, Ben (Hedges) surprises his family by leaving his sober living facility and showing up unexpectedly on Christmas Eve to spend the holidays at home with his loved ones, including his beloved dog, Ponce. To his mother Holly (Roberts), Ben is her prodigal son, and all her attention immediately shifts towards him and his needs. Holly’s husband (Courtney B. Vance) and daughter (Kathryn Newton) worry that she is blinded by this motherly love and remain skeptical of Ben’s true intentions. Being newly sober with some sixty-odd days under his belt, there is concern that the triggers at home may be too much for Ben, causing him to relapse. But Ben gives no outward appearance of slipping up, as he assures them he’s turned a corner for good.
Promising to return to the sober living facility the next day, Ben agrees to stay by Holly’s side so she can monitor his every move. The stakes become high for both Ben and Holly over this 24-hour trial period. For Ben, it is to keep the temptation of the real world at bay, and for Holly, it is driven by her ego in believing that she can keep Ben safe on her own. In the beginning, it seems as if everything will be okay until an unexpected break-in and subsequent theft of the family dog sparks a downward spiral that sees Ben pushed to his limit. As he sets out to confront the people from his past that he believes stole Ponce, Holly risks everything to desperately hold on to him and keep him safe no matter what.
A psychological masterclass in testing unconditional love
A psychological masterclass in testing the limits of familial love and the bond between mother and son, Ben is Back feels divided into two very distinct acts: the first being Ben’s return and the second, his disappearance. Fueled by love and ego, Holly’s hunt to find Ben is riddled with emotional turmoil as she learns the harrowing details of his former life as an addict. Watching her stark denial turn into a harsh reality is heartbreaking as she tries to digest details that no mother should ever have to learn about her own flesh and blood. Ben is not a bad kid, in fact, he is painted as quite the opposite throughout the entirety of the film. His intentions are genuine and solely based on protecting his family, but what he doesn’t understand is that in order to save his family, he must unintentionally hurt them first.
Julia Roberts gives an awards-worthy performance
In one of her finest performances to date, one that should take her to the Academy Awards stage, Julia Roberts embodies the role of Holly with neurosis and overwhelming compassion. She does what any mother would do, even if it is morally wrong. Lucas Hedges also shines as a troubled teen, and his vulnerability is remarkable.
The ending is one of my favorite moments in a film this year
There are many elements that make Ben is Back a standout film in a year of exceptional films. One aspect is how the film takes place over a 24-hour time period, keeping the story tight and concise. Another is the phenomenal meditative soundtrack by composer Dickon Hinchliffe, whose previous works include Leave No Trace and Locke. The film ends on a sobering note that is perfectly supported by a chilling musical score, making it one of my favorite moments in a film this year. It may not be a lighthearted watch, but Ben is Back is a must-see.
