Ben Is Back (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Addiction, Redemption, and the Unbreakable Bond of Family
Ben Is Back (2018), directed by Peter Hedges, is a powerful and emotional family drama that delves deep into the impact of addiction on families. Featuring heart-wrenching performances by Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges, the film tells a gripping story of a mother’s unconditional love for her son as he battles his inner demons. Unlike typical addiction-centered dramas, Ben Is Back focuses on a single critical day in the lives of a family, drawing viewers into a tense, emotional whirlwind. In this review, we will explore the plot, the performances, and where you can watch Ben Is Back online.
Plot Overview
The story takes place during the Christmas holidays, when Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) comes home to find her son Ben (Lucas Hedges) unexpectedly standing in the driveway. Ben, who has been in rehab for opioid addiction, was not supposed to leave treatment, but claims he has been granted permission to return home for Christmas.
While Holly is thrilled to see her son, her joy is tempered by fear and caution. Her husband, Neal (Courtney B. Vance), and Ben’s sister, Ivy (Kathryn Newton), are deeply skeptical about his sudden return, fearing he may relapse or bring trouble to their family. The film explores the complexities of this homecoming as Holly navigates her maternal instincts to protect her son and the hard reality that addiction cannot be trusted.
As the day unfolds, a series of events force Holly to confront the truth about her son’s past, leading her on a perilous journey to keep him safe from both himself and the dangerous people from his previous life.
Raw and Emotional Performances
The performances in Ben Is Back are one of the film’s strongest elements, especially the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges. Roberts, known for her vibrant screen presence, delivers one of the most emotionally intense performances of her career. As Holly, she portrays a mother on the edge, filled with a mixture of hope, love, and desperation. Her unwavering love for Ben, despite the heartbreak his addiction has caused, is palpable in every scene.
Lucas Hedges, the son of director Peter Hedges, gives a nuanced performance as the troubled Ben. His portrayal captures the complex emotions of a young man who genuinely wants to be better but is constantly haunted by his addiction. Ben’s struggle with self-loathing and guilt, combined with moments of vulnerability, make his character tragically sympathetic. Hedges’ subtle performance adds depth to the film, showing that beneath Ben’s outward confidence lies a fragile soul still fighting for control.
Courtney B. Vance and Kathryn Newton, though in supporting roles, offer strong performances that represent the wider impact of addiction on the family. Vance’s character, Neal, provides a grounded perspective on tough love, while Newton’s Ivy embodies the frustration and pain of a sibling who feels overshadowed by the chaos Ben’s addiction has brought into their lives.
A Tense and Thoughtful Storyline
What sets Ben Is Back apart from other films about addiction is its focused narrative, which spans just 24 hours. This condensed time frame heightens the tension as the audience is left to wonder if Ben’s return is a positive step toward recovery or the beginning of another disaster. The ticking clock structure keeps viewers on edge, as we see how quickly things can spiral out of control for an addict and their family.
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal realities of addiction — the lies, the broken trust, and the lingering sense of fear that permeates the lives of those affected. While the plot touches on crime, manipulation, and desperation, it also emphasizes the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son, highlighting the painful choices that come with loving someone struggling with addiction.
The emotional weight of the film is compounded by the underlying message of hope and resilience. Ben Is Back shows that even in the darkest moments, there is love, and while the path to recovery is fraught with setbacks, the film never loses sight of the humanity of its characters.
Themes of Love, Trust, and Forgiveness
At its core, Ben Is Back is about family and the limits of love and forgiveness. Holly’s fierce determination to believe in her son, despite all the evidence against him, serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Her internal conflict — balancing hope with the knowledge of the devastation addiction brings — is a relatable struggle for anyone who has loved someone battling addiction.
The film explores how addiction warps relationships, turning love into fear and trust into suspicion. Holly’s refusal to give up on Ben, despite knowing how easily things could go wrong, is a testament to the enduring strength of a mother’s love. The question the film raises is whether love is enough to save someone from themselves.
Where to Watch Ben Is Back Online
For those looking to stream or purchase Ben Is Back, several platforms offer the movie. Here’s where you can watch it online:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Ben Is Back is available to stream with a subscription or can be rented or purchased. Prime Video offers HD streaming for the best viewing experience.
- Hulu: If you have a Hulu subscription, Ben Is Back is available to stream as part of their extensive movie catalog.
- Apple TV: You can rent or buy Ben Is Back on Apple TV. This platform offers the film in both HD and 4K, with the option to download for offline viewing.
Rental/Purchase Options
- Google Play Movies: Available for both rent and purchase, Ben Is Back can be streamed in high-definition directly from the Google Play app.
- Vudu: Offering rental and purchase options, Vudu is a popular choice for those who want high-quality streaming or downloading capabilities.
- YouTube Movies: YouTube Movies allows you to rent or purchase Ben Is Back for streaming on any device with the YouTube app installed.
Why Ben Is Back Is Worth Watching
Ben Is Back is not just a film about addiction — it’s about the resilience of family bonds in the face of overwhelming adversity. With exceptional performances, especially from Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges, the film delivers a gripping, emotionally charged story that feels both intimate and universal. The film’s honest portrayal of addiction’s impact on loved ones, coupled with its suspenseful plot, makes it a compelling watch for anyone interested in powerful, character-driven dramas.
Conclusion
Ben Is Back is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching film that shines a light on the realities of addiction and the strength of family ties. With an outstanding cast and a tense, emotional narrative, it’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re watching for the performances or the story, Ben Is Back offers an unforgettable look at love, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for recovery.
