Ben Is Back
Seen it?2018 | 103 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Palmer or Drugstore Cowboy, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
19-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben's mother, Holly, 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
2 wins and 9 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$13 million worldwide on a $13 million budget; spent 1 week in Netflix's global Top 10; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 71K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Palmer
Saturday SpecialAnother small-town drama, and a Saturday Special.
Hillbilly Elegy Sunday Safe BetAnother small-town drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Echo Valley
Weeknight WatchAnother drug-world drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Drugstore Cowboy
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drug-world drama.
Cape Fear Saturday SpecialAnother small-town drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Hedges
- Julia RobertsHolly Burns
- Lucas HedgesBen Burns
- Courtney B. VanceMr. Beeby
- Kathryn NewtonIvy Burns
- Rachel Bay JonesBeth Conyers
- David ZaldivarSpencer 'Spider' Webbs
- Alexandra ParkCara K.
- Michael EsperClayton
- Tim GuineePhil
- Myra Lucretia TaylorSally