Ben Is Back

2018
R
1h 43m

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

24K

YOUR RATING

Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges in Ben Is Back (2018)

19 year-old Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges) unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben's mother, Holly (Julia Roberts), 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.

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Drama

A drug addicted teenage boy shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve.A drug addicted teenage boy shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve.A drug addicted teenage boy shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

24K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 wins & 13 nominations

Trivia
When Peter Hedges was developing the film he had no intention of casting his son Lucas Hedges in the titular role, and had already created a shortlist of other actors he was considering. It was Julia Roberts, who after seeing the younger Hedges in Manchester by the Sea (2016), insisted he be cast.

Goofs
There is a scene where Julia Roberts' car breaks down. Her son tries to start it but is unsuccessful. He then says we need gas. The next scene they're at a gas station with no explanation as to how they got there. Saying that they needed gas doesn't necessarily mean that the tank is empty. There could easily have been sufficient fuel left to drive to the gas station.

Quotes
Ben Burns: I love five people and Ponce is two of them.

Connections
Featured in The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Julia Roberts/Patrick Wilson (2018)

Soundtracks
In the Bleak Midwinter
Lyrics by Christina Georgina Rossetti
Music by Gustav Holst
(incorrectly attributed as Traditional)
Performed by Church Choir & Dr. Paul-Martin Maki

User reviews153

Review

Featured review

8/10

Julia Roberts on top of her game

Ben Is Back follows a story of a young addict returning home for holidays by putting the lives of his family members and those who he had affected as an addict dramatically changes within 24 hours. A triumphal performance of Julia Roberts as the mother, who is fighting for salvation of her child, is probably one of the best of her career. Lucas Hedges, who plays Ben, also son of the director Peter Hedges, is on a phenomenal rise, appearing in not one but two Oscar-worthy performances this year, proving that Hollywood can still hold on the line with decent young actors such as Hedges as old talents slowly fade out. A passionate project that is ambitious, raw and tender, centered on the redemption addicts can get from their family.