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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Julia Roberts stars as the mother of a recovering drug addict (Lucas Hedges), who comes home unexpectedly and brings the past with him. Directed in a no-nonsense fashion by Lucas's dad Peter (Dan in Real Life), the film avoids scenery-chewing in favour of a family dynamic that is believably flawed. At the heart of the drama are Roberts and Hedges, who share a connection rarely achieved on celluloid. Roberts cycles through anger, despair and hope at various points, as she fights to believe her son is reformed. Meanwhile, Hedges plays Ben like a raw nerve, a man keen to make amends but knowing one mistake may undo everything. Unfortunately, a series of convoluted and unnecessary twists send these characters on a needless journey that dilutes the intensity and denies supporting characters any room to develop. While the stars make you believe their bond, Ben Is Back moves along awkwardly, ignoring the parts that make it special.

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Credits

Cast

rolename
Ben BurnsLucas Hedges
Ivy BurnsKathryn Newton
Mr BeebyCourtney B Vance
PhilTim Guinee
Beth ConyersRachel Bay Jones
Spencer "Spider" WebbsDavid Zaldivar
Cara KAlexandra Park
ClaytonMichael Esper
SallyMyra Lucretia Taylor

Crew

rolename
DirectorPeter Hedges

Details

Theatrical distributor
STX International
Released on
2019-03-15
Languages
English
Guidance
Violence, swearing, drug abuse
Formats
Colour
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