Review of Beautiful Boy (2018) by Wayne M — 01 Nov 2018
Beautiful Boy is a searingly honest portrayal of the experience of drug addiction and the dramatic effect it has on a tight knit family. It's emotionally raw and beautifully sad, not an easy night at the cinema but one that digs deep into the heart and mind.
More than that it's a true story, based upon the memoir of David Sheff a West Coast based writer whose teenage son becomes addicted to drugs. The acting in this film is first class. Steve Carell is excellent again as the desperate father searching for answers but it is Timothee Chalamet who truly shines as his son who spirals into addiction hell.
It's a raw unsettling performance that digs deep into his despair. This film is beautifully rendered look at family bonds and how they can be weakened when a child loses his way. Some critics have mentioned it doesn't show enough graphic scenes of the addiction first hand but I think it is more concerned with showing a family falling apart and how answers are never easy or forthcoming.
A n exacting film to be sure but essential if you enjoy strong adult drama.
This review of Beautiful Boy (2018) was written by Wayne M on 01 Nov 2018.
Beautiful Boy has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
