Ben Is Back – Julia Roberts casts magic in this intense drama

We have seen numerous films that deal with drug addiction and this film is no different, other than the fact that director Peter Hedges doesn’t try to move away from reality. So is it worth watching?

We give you three reasons why you should watch this powerful drama.

1.Story

‘Ben is back’ revolves around the relationship between a mother and her drug addict son, who returns unexpectedly from the rehab to celebrate Christmas with the family. The reason for Ben returning home is apparently an alarming one. His return from the rehab puts his family in danger and what consequences they face forms the rest of the story.

2.Performances

It goes without saying that Julia Roberts steals the show with her portrayal of Holly. She manages to excel in every scene and makes her character believable. Roberts character is intense and she delivers one of her most powerful performances of her career. Lucas Hedges as Ben makes you feel for the character and you somehow start hating him instead of empathizing. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges as mother and son are the best things about this riveting drama.

3. Direction and Screenplay

Peter Hedges picks a cliched subject for his film as the film has nothing new to offer in terms of the plot. He somehow manages to keep his characters in control and makes them relatable. The screenplay is slow paced and as viewers, you expect some twists and turns, but unfortunately, they come only in the last 30 minutes of the film. Overall, the director manages to sustain the anxious feeling and build suspense whether Ben will be drawn to drugs again.

‘Ben is back’ shows the realities of drug addiction and makes us think about the struggles of parents who deal with their drug addict children.

We give it 3 out of 5 stars!

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