Another film that is shaping up as an Oscar film. At least that is what the depth of the story deserves- a heartbreaking portrayal of a family harassed by the addiction of one of its members- and the magnitude of the figures leading the project: under the direction of Peter Hedges, the film stars his son, Lucas Hedges, and the iconic actress Julia Roberts.
A story that invites reflection
As if by magic, Ben (Hedges) returns home at Christmas. His appearance triggers a series of frenetic responses from his relatives. From the hope of his mother Holly (Roberts) to the distrust of his sister Ivy (Kathryn Newton) and the concern of the new patriarch of the family, Neal (Courtney B. Vance).
The film reviews the traumas that obsess Ben and his roots in the past, while showing Holly as a containment to prevent her family from ending up hurting more.
However, the film goes beyond the drama of a family circle and is referenced in an alarming context. This is what Slashfilm website states: "Ben is back is a moving family drama that makes repeated references to the root of the crisis of abuse and addiction to opioids." It adds: "Peter Hedges points out a big problem and creates a great movie to deal with it."
