Ben Is Back Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mom kidnaps her own son from rehab for Christmas, only to realize he’s still a disaster, so they go on a wild goose chase for their stolen dog and find drugs instead. Source: Original

🍿 Ben Is Back: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ben’s Unexpected Return

On Christmas Eve, Holly Burns is surprised to find her son, Ben, standing in their driveway. Ben, a recovering opioid addict, has unexpectedly left rehab, claiming his sponsor approved a holiday visit. Holly is torn between joy and apprehension, given Ben’s history and the potential impact on her younger children, Ivy, Lacey and Liam.

A Tense 24 Hours

Holly’s husband, Neal, is skeptical and insists Ben return to rehab immediately. However, Holly persuades him to allow Ben to stay for 24 hours, under her constant supervision. Holly diligently monitors Ben, hiding medications and accompanying him everywhere, trying to shield him from triggers and temptations. This close watch intensifies family tensions, especially with Ivy, who deeply distrusts Ben.

The Past Catches Up

As the day progresses, it becomes clear that Ben’s past is inescapable. Encounters with old acquaintances and visits to familiar haunts reveal the depth of his addiction’s impact. The family dog, Ponce, goes missing, leading Holly and Ben on a desperate search through the dangerous underbelly of Ben’s former life, where they confront dealers and face threats from those he owes money to.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Holly Burns (Julia Roberts): A mother desperately trying to protect her drug-addicted son while balancing the safety of her other children.
• Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges): A charming yet troubled young man struggling with addiction who returns home for Christmas Eve.
• Neal Beeby (Courtney B. Vance): Holly’s husband and Ben’s stepfather, who is cautious and concerned about Ben’s presence in the family.
• Ivy Burns (Kathryn Newton): Ben’s sister, who is skeptical and fearful of his return due to his history of drug abuse.
• Beth Conyers (Rachel Bay Jones): The mother of a girl who died due to Ben’s involvement with drugs, adding to the complexity of his past.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben Burns: “I love five people and Ponce is two of them.” – Ben says this to express his deep affection for the family dog, Ponce, highlighting the importance of loyalty in his life.
• Holly Burns: “We can’t save them, but you’ll hate yourself if you don’t try.” – Said by a woman who lost her daughter to addiction, encapsulating Holly’s relentless determination to help Ben.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,703,184
• Worldwide Gross: $10,134,204

💥 Ben Is Back Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. As a mother, I felt Holly’s desperation and fear every step of the way. Julia Roberts was incredible, really conveying the love and anguish of a parent watching their child struggle. The scene where she confronts the doctor was heartbreaking. It’s a tough watch but so worth it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Julia Roberts”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas”
  • “Those seeking films about addiction and recovery”
  • “People who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief violence”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Roberts delivers a powerful performance as a mother fighting for her son’s sobriety. Hedges impresses with his portrayal of the troubled Ben. The film effectively captures the emotional turmoil of dealing with addiction, though the plot occasionally ventures into unbelievable territory.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “”Ben Is Back” is elevated by strong performances, particularly from Julia Roberts, as a mother grappling with her son’s addiction. While the narrative sometimes falters, the film’s raw and emotional portrayal of family struggles makes it a worthwhile watch. It’s a poignant exploration of love and loss in the face of addiction.

Audience Reactions

Julia Roberts’ acting was phenomenal, she truly embodied the role of a desperate mother.: The performances by Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges were praised for their emotional depth and realism.

The movie effectively showed the impact of addiction on a family.: Many viewers found the movie to be a realistic and emotionally engaging portrayal of addiction and its effects.

Overall Consensus: “Ben Is Back” is a well-acted drama that resonates with its authentic portrayal of a family grappling with addiction. While some found the plot somewhat predictable, the powerful performances make it a memorable and moving experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Peter Hedges, the writer and director, is Lucas Hedges’s father, adding a personal layer to the film’s exploration of family and addiction.”
• “Julia Roberts saw Lucas Hedges in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and specifically requested him for the role of Ben.”
• “Filming took place in Sloatsburg, New York, utilizing local establishments like Hayward’s Market and Super Seven store for authentic backdrops.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ben Is Back?

Ben Is Back is available for streaming on platforms like Showtime and Paramount+. You can also rent or purchase it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options. Many libraries also offer DVD rentals.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ben Is Back, you might like these similar films:

• Beautiful Boy (2018): Deals with a parent’s struggle to help their son battling meth addiction, offering a raw look at relapse and recovery.
• Clean and Sober (1988): Explores addiction and early recovery, portraying the difficult journey of an individual confronting their substance abuse issues.
• 28 Days (2000): Follows a woman’s journey through rehab, highlighting the challenges and personal growth involved in overcoming addiction.

🛒 Ben Is Back Related Products

• Ben Is Back [Blu-ray]: Experience the emotional journey of “Ben Is Back” in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Original Movie Soundtrack: Listen to the haunting and evocative score from “Ben Is Back”. Features the poignant “In the Bleak Midwinter” and other tracks that capture the film’s emotional depth.
• “Ben Is Back” Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s striking poster featuring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges. Perfect for decorating a home theater or movie room.
• Lucas Hedges Movie Collection [Digital]: A digital collection of Lucas Hedges’ critically acclaimed performances, including Manchester by the Sea, Boy Erased and Lady Bird.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ben Is Back features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In the Bleak Midwinter” – performed by Church Choir & Dr. Paul-Martin Maki

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Julia Roberts talks new movie ‘Ben is Back’

Ever wonder what Julia Roberts really thinks about ‘Ben is Back’? She spills the beans on Good Morning America, and honestly, her passion for the role is infectious. You gotta check it out!

Watch Julia Roberts Move From Joy to Panic in ‘Ben Is Back’ | Anatomy of a Scene

This ‘Anatomy of a Scene’ from the New York Times is seriously insightful! They break down *that* shopping mall scene and it’s crazy how much thought went into it. Definitely worth a watch if you want to appreciate the movie even more!

BEN IS BACK: Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges Interview

Want to see Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges riff off each other? This interview is gold! Their on-screen chemistry is amazing, and it’s cool to hear them talk about their characters’ relationship. Give it a watch, you won’t regret it!

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