Ben Is Back
19-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben's mother, Holly, is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother's undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe.
Critics Sentiment
Holly finds Ben unconscious from overdose and desperately revives him
Ben leaves Holly stranded at gas station to meet Clayton alone
The film's dramatic shift from intimate family drama to contrived crime thriller in the second half, dropping from strong character work to unbelievable plotting.
Ben Is Back starts as a powerful intimate family drama with exceptional performances from Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges, earning critical praise for its authentic portrayal of addiction's impact on families. However, reviewers consistently noted the film loses its way in the second half when it transforms into a contrived crime thriller involving drug dealers and ransom plots. Despite the weaker middle section, the climactic overdose and revival scene redeems the film with devastating emotional impact.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 52
Julia Roberts
Holly Burns
Lucas Hedges
Ben Burns
Courtney B. Vance
Mr. Beeby
Kathryn Newton
Ivy Burns
Rachel Bay Jones
Beth Conyers
David Zaldivar
Spencer 'Spider' Webbs
Alexandra Park
Cara K.
Michael Esper
Clayton
Tim Guinee
Phil
Myra Lucretia Taylor
Sally
Kristin Griffith
Mrs. Crane
Jack Davidson
Dr. Crane
Mia Fowler
Lacey Beeby
Jakari Fraser
Liam Burns-Beeby
Cameron Scott Roberts
James Lamson
Jeff Auer
Maggie's Dad
Henry Stram
Mr. Richman
Bill Buell
Dairy Farmer
Sandra Caldwell
Customer
Nathalie Carvalho
Lay Reader
Crew
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