Review of Being Flynn (2012) by Simon G — 31 Jul 2012

Based on the memoir by Nick Flynn the film follows Nick's reunion with his father after an 18 year absence from his life and the subsequent strained and turbulent relationship that develops. De Niro gives his best performance in a decade as Nick's difficult father Jonathan while Paul Dano more than holds his own against the old master.

The subject matter may be bleak at times but writer/director Paul Weitz pulls no punches and what we get is a raw and realistic look at the emotional journey of this father-son struggle to not only come to terms with their own lives but also each other's.