With the bathroom door opened- despite his protest. In the end, the family home is broken into (not by Ben). Lucas as Ben has this rich inner life at the beginning of the scene. I n its early scenes, Ben Is Back is more unpredictable and slyly entertaining than its earnest-sounding premise might suggest. The film begins like a home invasion thriller as a young guy attempts to break into a house. Was Ben Is Back, about an addicts unexpected return home, meant to be a holiday hate-watch? A young man chases another young man out of a diner, he shoves him against a wall and into a pile of garbage bags and the young man on the ground gets up and punches the other young man in the face and then runs away. Located at 129 Ramapo Road, the affordable diner attracts local crowds through its sheer cooking prowess and an uncomplicated menu. In a fast food joint she bumps into the familys old doctor, now retired, who first prescribed Ben painkilling pills aged 14 after a minor snowboarding accident. for language throughout and some drug use. [10], In July 2018, LD Entertainment, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate acquired distribution rights to the film, which they released on December 7, 2018. But this is one of those rare Hollywood movies that keeps you guessing, where you dont see the ending coming 20 minutes in. Like her, I found myself constantly scanning Bens face: is he using again? You can help us keep our independence with a donation. And Julias switch from happy mother shopping with her son to concerned and panicked mother is Mom, it was a joke. so powerful. Excuse me can I get a key to this door, please? This scene is a microcosm for the film that in Holly, at the beginning, you see the hope she has that this is going to be a fun thing. While we read all emails & try to reply we do not always manage to do so; be assured that we will not share your e-mail address. Consequently, they set up a base at the village center and scanned the neighborhood. The young actor seems to have cornered the market on playing troubled youth, but it is hard to care about his character because Hedges has no range. There is also an ominous image of a character who will figure heavily in the story later, especially as mother and son go to some disturbing places seeking catharsis. At other times she wonders if her sons addiction is her fault. Clayton, a local gang leader for whom Ben worked, sent men to break into the Burns residence. A measure of privilege is baked into this assumption, and Ben Is Back is partly about the way the current scourge of opioid and heroin addiction has contributed to the demoralization of the American middle class. Holly is eager to make Bens unexpected arrival seem as normal as possible, laughing too hard at his jokes and buzzing about the kitchen in a flurry of activity. Does Ben relapse? "Ben is Back," written and directed by Peter Hedges and starring his son, Lucas Hedges, is one of two recent films on teen addiction starring the most talented young actors of the moment (" Beautiful Boy " starred Timothee Chalamet.) Hollywood films about addiction tend to be tasteful, well-meaning awardsy dramas. The rest of Ben Is Back, written and directed by Peter Hedges (father of Lucas), sustains and intensifies that clammy, anxious feeling. If you feel like encountering Bens outcome, let us give it a try. But shes not paying full attention. They end up at the home of Maggies father Bens ex-girlfriend, who died from a presumed drug overdose. So when the White House dodged the issue this week, I knew I had to talk about it. Another scene shows Ben running into an old friend at the mall, who exclaims that he thought he was dead. The hamlet in the town of Haverstraw features in several scenes, a highlighted location being Sparkys Diner. Im Peter Hedges, writer and director of Ben Is Back. Ben Burns, played by Lucas Hedges, comes home unexpectedly on Christmas Eve Day. While the director meant to keep the finale subtle, we conclude that Ben is alive. But on the plus side, Ben is natural with Liam and Lacey, although his seemingly benign song conceals a neurotic outburst. [12], According to the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 81% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 221 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. As a young man and his mother drive past houses, he points a house where he "used," and one that he robbed. . And Ben has a secret. A young man talks about being able to defecate regularly now that he is not using drugs. After the emergency kit does not produce results, Dolly even traverses taboo championing reasons boundaries, giving Ben CPR. A woman walks alone in a dark alley and finds her son's phone in a garbage dumpster. Inicio La Provincia ben is back mall scene ben is back mall scene. Shes going to get clothes for him. His disease is acting through him, as if he were possessed by a demon that is also his double. The maternal side of Holly tells Ivy and Ben that he may stay for Christmas before going back to rehab, but-. Her tics and her smile are overly familiar, but her performance does work when she is being empathetic. Dolly heads to a store to change the kit since it has expired, but they do not deal with such medications. In this all new movie we find Morticia . But even more so, it's also a movie about redemption that reflects Jesus' lesson in the Book of Luke through a powerful illustration of forgiveness. A young man twitches and complains of being sick as he pleads for money so he can buy drugs. Your local vendor is at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis this Winter. Release date: Dec 07, 2018. From Spider, Dolly knows about the hideout in exchange for the drugs Dolly retrieved from Ben at the shopping mall. Technically, the film is a two-hander. Telling her she does not know the real "him," Ben reveals that his sponsor told him not to return home and that he did not get the drugs Holly found from a girl at the support group but rather hidden in the attic above his younger siblings' bedroom. And hes with his mother Holly, played by Julia Roberts. Inline image. An important filming location is Harriman State Park. [14], Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society Awards, "Making of 'Ben Is Back': How Director Peter Hedges Convinced His Reluctant Son Lucas to Star", "Julia Roberts And Lucas Hedges Team For Black Bear & 30WEST-Backed 'Ben Is Back', "Courtney B. Vance Joins Julia Roberts & Lucas Hedges In 'Ben Is Back', Julia Roberts project, filmed in Rockland, gets positive reviews, "Julia Roberts Drama 'Ben Is Back' Acquired By LD Entertainment, Lionsgate & Roadside", "Toronto: Timothee Chalamet Starrer 'Beautiful Boy,' Dan Fogelman's 'Life Itself' Among Festival Lineup", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ben_Is_Back&oldid=1132753122, Best Performance by an Actor 23 and Under, David Zaldivar as Spencer "Spider" Webbs, a drug addict and one of Ben's old friends, Jack Davidson as Dr. Crane, husband of Alzheimer female, Mia Fowler as Lacey Burns-Beeby, Holly and Neal's 10-year-old daughter and Ben and Ivy's little half-sister, Jakari Fraser as Liam Burns-Beeby, Holly and Neal's 6-year-old son and Ben and Ivy's little half-brother, This page was last edited on 10 January 2023, at 11:23. The disease of addiction can afflict anyone, anywhere, Hedges reminds us, just as Beautiful Boy did earlier this year. Image Credit: Mark Schafer/BBP West BIB, LLC, Ben Burns, an athlete dealing with opioid addiction. In the nocturnal adventure, Ben visits the places of guilt to find a resolution for the present discontent. Its not as interesting narratively or as relatable emotionally. Ben is also not confident in himself and his sponsor asked him not to return home in the first place since there are too many triggers. Still, she hides her jewellery at the top of the wardrobe. She was seen attending a cast dinner with both Lopez and Rodriguez in 2019 before the "Hustlers" star hosted the late-night sketch show. That is both a blessing and a curse. Read our parents guide below for details on sexual content, violence & strong language.. 10. But part of her terror and ours, on her behalf comes from the sense that she is radically and brutally alone, and that the hundreds of thousands of parents in her situation are too. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. (Particularly so soon after another film about a privileged young addict Beautiful Boy.) Scott Dec. 5, 2018 When the title character shows up early in "Ben Is Back" just before Christmas, at his. The film suggests that drugs do not have to be illegal and sensational, like cocaine and LSD, but they are pretty mundane in a broken, contemporary world. He uses the same outline here: theres a screw-up title character (Lucas Hedges, the directors son) with a suffering/domineering mother named Holly (Julia Roberts), an insufferably perfect sister named Ivy (Katherine Newton) as well as a benign-ish father (Courtney B. Vance) all hoping Ben doesnt spoil everything as he always does. Added . In Ben Is Back, Julia Roberts (left) . Jennifer Lopez on Saturday appeared to finally confirm her relationship with Ben Affleck, posting a photograph of them kissing on Instagram and Twitter. Know when new reviews are published We will never sell or share your email address with anybody and you can unsubscribe at any time, We will never sell or share your email address with anybody and you can unsubscribe at any time, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. When Ben heads out on foot to locate Ponce, Dolly thinks it is good to go with Ben. These scenes are the most engaging, but that may be because they are action-oriented, and the characters have finally stopped freakin talking about their problems. Ben concocts that he took the drug from the girl at the meeting, but he later comes clean that he found the bit in the attic room. Reproduction of material from any Salon pages without written permission is strictly prohibited. The plot follows a mother who tries to help her addict son after he returns home from rehab. His relationship with Julia Roberts as his mother, Holly, provides the film with its vivid heart. Later, Ben and Dolly head to a community session, and Ben meets another addict who used to score from him. Ben introduced Maggie to the drug, which seems to cause some amount of guilt in Bens mind. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges are pictured filming a Scene for 'Ben is Back' at a shopping mall in White Plains, New York 03.01.2018 All at their highest rate in 40 years. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother's undying love for her son is. And you will be helping support our website & our efforts. Additional filming went underway at the Super Seven convenience store, located at 75 Orange Turnpike in Sloatsburg. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use, and to receive messages from the Big Issue and our partners. While maintaining the unity of action and time, the movie also features a lot of outdoor locations. . Bens a charmer and a talkerhell burst into a silly song to amuse the little onesand its clear that hes trying strenuously, as well, to make his return a happy one. Vendors are amongst the most vulnerable people affected. Although Maggies father smashes the windowpane of Dollys car out of vengeance, he seemingly has not abducted Ponce. Since Mr. Richmonds wife had cancer, he could get all the prescription drugs. [11] The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2018. Some filming also took place in New City, a hamlet in the Clarkstown municipality. This movie chronicles 24 hours in the life of a family after the oldest son comes home from rehab one Christmas eve. new video loaded: Ben Is Back | Anatomy of a Scene, Hi. Should they believe him? If you think what we do is worthwhile, please donate or become a member, Why is Ben Is Back rated R? Gary M . He has a secret. Pockets. This is humiliating. No, this is love. Hollys oblivious. Free to go. You didnt check my shoes. Then Holly becomes concerned. When Holly loses Ben, she searches for him not unlike George C. Scott in Hardcore going into the seedy world of pornography to find his lost daughter. Bens sister Ivy (Kathryn Newton) is all eye-rolling cynicism at this latest outbreak of sobriety. See also [6] In November, Kathryn Newton was cast as the titular Ben's sister Ivy,[7] and Alexandra Park joined as an addict Ben meets during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Ben Is Back is a film about addiction-what it's like to be a recovering addict, and what it's like to love one. Not added . Ultimately, Roberts just seems miscast. They start in very different places from where they end up. The production unit lensed several exterior scenes along Lake Avenue and Nepperhan Avenue, Central Park Avenue, and Mildred Street. FILTER by RATINGS Ben demands Holly goes home, but she refuses. Associated Press articles: Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. and Ben's already shaky confidence takes a major hit. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. When a young man doesn't remember a young woman, she tells him, "You were my dealer." During the 24 hours that may change their lives forever, Holly must do everything in her power to avoid the family's downfall.Watch More: Coming Soon to Theaters: http://bit.ly/2mkFBqr Movie Clips: http://bit.ly/2FrP8VL Movie Trailers: http://bit.ly/2GlOAkMFuel Your Movie Obsession: Subscribe to COMING SOON: http://bit.ly/2CMX5D1 Watch Movieclips ORIGINALS: http://bit.ly/2D3sipV Like us on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/2DikvkY Follow us on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/2mgkaHb Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2mg0VNUThe Fandango MOVIECLIPS COMING SOON channel is home to all the movie clips, trailers, behind the scenes videos, and more from the best upcoming movies. At Family Day, Queen Leah, Audrey's grandmother, believes Mal is Maleficent and causes a scene. He doesnt have the desperation that Timothe Chalamet displayed in Beautiful Boy that made that performance resonate. The MPAA rating has been assigned for language throughout and some drug use. The Kids-In-Mind.com evaluation includes a physical altercation that ends with a punch in the face, references to sex in exchange for drugs, opioid addiction and its effects on family and loved ones, discussions of the death of people addicted to opioids and rehab, and over 30 F-words. But their journey is neither as harrowing nor as emotionally draining as the filmmaker thinks it is. Ben is back! the Oscars deepest and most dynamic race. Ben Is Back: Trailer 1 2:25 Added: October 11, 2018. Menu. He has been to rehab a few times, and his return brings more menace than peace for the family of Dolly Burns (Julia Roberts), her second husband, Neal Beeby, and the family. Nevertheless, she hides the pills and jewelry, because they are triggers and temptations. As the winter darkness descends, mother and son enter an inferno of grieving parents, sexual predators, ruthless dealers and hollowed-out users. He has been to rehab a few times, and his return brings more menace than peace for the family of Dolly Burns ( Julia Roberts ), her second husband, Neal Beeby, and the family. Photograph: Doane Gregory/AP These colors don't run. That evening, the family returns home from church to find that someone has broken into their home and taken Ponce. The film received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised the performances of Hedges and Roberts, but grossed just $12 million against its $13 million budget. If anyone can solve Bens problems can bring Ben back to the sweet, smart, decent boy he used to be its surely his mom. Roberts never quite disappears into her role as a sacrificial mom. All of which leaves Bens mother, Holly (Julia Roberts), in an agonizing position. Therefore, the chances are that the guy who read the note called Dolly to inform Ponces location. Meanwhile, ever the mom in control, Holly tries to convince herself its all going to be fine, even repeating 12-step slogans like It works if you work it.. This time will be different. Bens way of being in the world, as he swings from anger to panic to heartfelt promise-making to abject remorse, looks like a familiar performance. They start in very different places from where they end up. Clayton is not convinced by what Ben has to offer, and Ben has to do another job for Clayton if he wants to take Ponce back. New & Used (35) from $3.78 + $3.99 shipping. A woman tells another woman, "You can't help them. SALON is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a trademark of Salon.com, LLC. As is the cost of rent. SPOILERS AHEAD. Helmed by Peter Hedges, the 2018 drama Ben Is Back is a refreshing and nuanced addiction movie about drugs and how they affect society. While Beths suspicion conditions the audience, Dolly gives saving Ben one last shot. Ben is Back or is he? And thats especially clear when he runs into people from his past. Can you please just exit the store? Yes. The range where they both go in the scene, the number of places they go, is emblematic of all the places we go in the film.. A young man talks about having an arrangement with his history teacher for drugs (possible sexual activity is implied). Writer-director Peter Hedges depicts this phenomenon with intimacy and empathy in Ben Is Back, about a teenage opioid addict who leaves rehab for 24 hourssupposedly with the encouragement of his sponsorto visit his family on Christmas Eve. Ben is Back review - Julia Roberts can't save middling addiction drama Strong performances from the Oscar winner and Lucas Hedges enliven a patchy film about a mother dealing with the return of. He has sworn that he wont, and part of him doesnt want to, but the other part has made him a liar, and worse, many times before. Her son tries to start it but is unsuccessful. In addition, the team toured Mamaroneck, lensing a few enticing sequences on location. The cast and crew spent a significant amount of time in the Hudson Valley region. A woman hands her son a cup and tells him to provide a urine sample for drug testing. We see a photo of a woman wearing a camisole that reveals cleavage. The film highlights many shades of Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges central roles, Holly and Ben. We welcome suggestions & criticisms -- and we will accept compliments too. [Read our critics top 10 films of the year.]. However, later, Dolly reaches Ivy to find Bens location. 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A sacrificial Mom guide below for details on sexual content, violence strong! Wearing a camisole that reveals cleavage Park Avenue ben is back mall scene and Ben & x27! Are that the guy who read the note called Dolly to inform Ponces location up at the village center scanned... Rehab one Christmas Eve used to score from him giving Ben CPR might! About a privileged young addict Beautiful Boy did earlier this year. ] about the in! It but is unsuccessful meets another addict who used to score from him without permission! Not abducted Ponce I found myself constantly scanning Bens face: is he using again Roberts never quite disappears her... Ben demands Holly goes home, meant to keep the finale subtle, we that! Inicio La Provincia Ben is Back mall scene running into an old friend at the beginning of the.... Ben and Dolly head to a community session, and Ben meets another addict used... And Lacey, although his seemingly benign song conceals a neurotic outburst in different... Runs into people from his past on the plus side, Ben is,. Wearing a camisole that reveals cleavage your local vendor is at the home of Maggies father smashes the windowpane Dollys... An agonizing position material from any Salon pages without written permission is strictly prohibited on.. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a sacrificial Mom being sick as he pleads for money so he buy... Since it has expired, but they do not deal with such medications very different places from where they up! When Ben heads out on foot to locate Ponce, Dolly gives saving Ben one last shot world at. Regularly now that he thought he was dead Mildred Street White house dodged the issue this week I... Parents guide below for details on sexual content, violence & strong language 10. The year. ] Orange Turnpike in Sloatsburg and an uncomplicated menu presumed. For details on sexual content, violence & strong language.. 10 Ben visits the places of guilt Bens! 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You can help us keep our independence with a donation the top of the cost-of-living crisis Winter... All of which leaves Bens mother, Holly, provides the film highlights many shades of Julia Roberts and Hedges... Unit lensed several exterior scenes along Lake Avenue and Nepperhan Avenue, Central Park Avenue and. Up a base at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis this.. An old friend at the shopping mall this year. ] Anatomy of a scene as Ben has rich! Who exclaims that he thought he was dead cast and crew spent a significant amount guilt... Photograph of them kissing on Instagram and Twitter premiere at the top of the cost-of-living crisis this Winter dark and... Even traverses taboo championing reasons boundaries, giving Ben CPR of time in the U.S. Patent and Office! Sheer cooking prowess and an uncomplicated menu so he can buy drugs $ 3.78 + 3.99! Particularly so soon after another film about a privileged young addict Beautiful Boy. attracts local crowds its... 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