Long fascinated by emotionally complex family dynamics and the way the smallest of events can shatter a clan, writer/director Peter Hedges explored those themes to great effect in such films as “Pieces of April,” “Dan in Real Life,” and as the writer of “What‘s Eating Gilbert Grape?” Hedges’ returns to this well in “Ben is Back,” focusing on the plights of a family torn by the torment of drug addiction and a mother’s unequivocal love for her son in the face of his on-again-off-again relapses. It’s an uneven film, but a deeply passionate one that also features an A-list actress at the top of her game.
READ MORE: 55 Must-See Films: The 2018 Fall Movie Preview
We meet Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) as she prepares her family home for another Christmas holiday. The tree is lit up, the presents wrapped, and she even has time to watch three of her four kids rehearse for a Christmas pageant. Holly is married to Neal (Courtney B. Vance), her second husband and father of two of her children. However, things take a dramatic turn when Holly’s first-born son Ben (Lucas Hedges) arrives at her doorstep. She’s shocked to see him because Ben’s supposed to be at a sober-living facility. His sister Ivy (rising star Kathryn Newton of “Blockers” and “Halt And Catch Fire”) is none-too-pleased at the sight of her brother, and the same goes for Neal, who insists the boy should go back to his rehab facility; he’s not ready, and there are too many triggers around him in his hometown.
READ MORE: Toronto International Film Festival: 22 Most Anticipated Movies
Regardless, Holly, being a loving mother, is over the moon to see her son, even when Ivy and Neal warn her it’s not a good idea for Ben to stay there. However, the family reaches a compromise and Ben takes a urine test so that his mom can make sure he isn’t lying about being sober— he claims he hasn’t touched a drug in 77 days. The results come out negative, and Ben is allowed to stay for 24 hours, just to spend Christmas with his family, then head straight back to rehab. Of course, this turns out to be a very bad idea.
Slowly, over time, Ben’s troubled past is revealed. Not only was he an addict, but as a teenager, he used to be the local drug dealer which prompted many of the town’s kids to get hooked, some even dying because of his heroin distribution. Making matters worse, Ben still owes money to his old drug bosses and when word of his return to town get around, thugs from his past promptly break into the Burns’ home taking the family dog with them. Ben has an idea who the perpetrators might be but understands confrontation may not only trigger violence, but also his own relapse.
Because Mom promised herself that she wouldn’t let Ben out of her sight, she follows him everywhere he goes and the film’s second half turns into a journey to hell as she and Ben go around town looking for the shady characters that may have concocted the break-in and stolen the beloved family pet.
The plot may be patchy, and unnecessary even, but “Ben Is Back” is anchored by a stunning performance from Julia Roberts, her best in years, which shows the grieving frustration that a mother can feel when the son she loves goes down the deep end of addiction. There are moments in the film when Roberts’ face alone showcases a whirlwind of emotions in a single stare. Her Holly is filled with concern, fear, happiness and an overall sense of confusion when Ben suddenly reappears. The subtleties and restraint she brings to her role are commendable, as any other lesser-experienced actress could have easily over-delivered the part. But Roberts expertly uses her charm to play with our emotions, and we understand why her Holly wants to believe Ben when he says he’s doing better, even when we know her leniency towards him will result in crushing disappointment.
Lucas Hedges, who happens to be the director’s son, doesn’t disappoint either. He holds his own against Julia Roberts and continues to demonstrate what a great young talent he is. If his breakout role in “Manchester By the Sea” was delivered in a quieter, more nuanced key, the screenplay here lets him open up his emotions a little bit more, which turns out to be the best showcase yet for his talents. Hedges chews up the scenery but does so in ways that feel remarkably real and authentic.
An affecting, intimate drama about trust, and the pain that loved ones give us, “Ben Is Back” still manages to frustrate. Peter Hedges’ script is finely attuned to Ben’s past and keeps us guessing about what he might have done to tear apart his family, but the rich character development in the film’s initial hour quickly takes a backseat for the second hour which, unwisely, focuses on this dognapping. The movie’s not about the dog. It’s just an excuse to put mother and son together and face conflict, but it feels slightly out of place and grows unbelievable—especially for a film that so finely dimensionalizes its characters and makes us invest in their well-being. This drastic dog-searching detour does the film a major disservice, for sure. However, Even as the script slowly loses its focus, “Ben Is Back” at least leaves a lasting impression from its two incredible leads and their unforgettable performances. [B-/C+]
Check out all our coverage from the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival here.