Beautiful Boy

Name: Beautiful Boy
Genre: Biography, Drama
Released: October 12, 2018
Duration: 120 min
Rating: 63
Cast: Amy Ryan, Christian Convery, Julian Works, Kaitlyn Dever, Kue Lawrence

2018

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 42 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 26 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 26 Ratings

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Beautiful Boy (Trailer 2)

Movie Details & Credits

Amazon Studios | Release Date: October 12, 2018

Starring: Amy Ryan, Christian Convery, Julian Works, Kaitlyn Dever, Kue Lawrence, Maura Tierney, Oakley Bull, Stefanie Scott, Steve Carell, Timoth

Summary: Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse, and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.

Director: Felix Van Groeningen

Genre(s): Biography, Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 120 min

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Critic Reviews

Arizona Republic - Samantha Incorvaia

Oct 18, 2018

Director Felix Van Groeningen unflinchingly depicts the struggles and hopes of a family affected by drug addiction in a powerfully honest movie with gut-wrenching acting. Read full review

Screen International - Fionnuala Halligan

Sep 8, 2018

Strong, committed performances and the upsetting ring of reality anchor a highly-personal film which cycles through addiction, relapse and rehab in an episodic way, each high as inevitable as the low which follows. Read full review

The A.V. Club - A.A. Dowd

Oct 11, 2018

For as much as Van Groeningen may have pulled from both of his mirrored source materials, for as deep as Chalamet digs into his character’s skirmish with own urges, Beautiful Boy holds us outside of his struggle. Read full review

The Atlantic - David Sims

Oct 12, 2018

Van Groeningen isn’t too curious about what got Nic into drugs, nor how he finally pulled out of the spiral. Beautiful Boy largely exists in between those two stories and ends up feeling like a limited, grueling experience. Read full review

The Associated Press - Lindsey Bahr

Oct 11, 2018

A film like this, as authentic and raw as it is, should probably leave audiences in a puddle and not exiting the theater wondering why they’re not. Read full review

The Guardian - Benjamin Lee

Sep 8, 2018

There are moments of crushing emotional weight but as the film progresses, they start to carry less power. Read full review

Wall Street Journal - Joe Morgenstern

Oct 11, 2018

The root problem is repetitiveness, the seemingly endless cycle of progress and relapse that causes heartbreak in real life and induces déjà vu in audiences — even dejà déjà vu, since there’s repetition within the already familiar pattern. The mosaic structure is simply, though not successfully, an attempt to hold our attention. Read full review

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User Reviews

sassymah

Oct 17, 2018

The best movie I have seen so far in 2018. It is heart-wrenching, compelling, emotionally raw, and authentic. The acting from Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell is strong and Oscar-worthy. Timothee is proving to be one of the best actors of his generation. It is a no-frills movie thatThe best movie I have seen so far in 2018. It is heart-wrenching, compelling, emotionally raw, and authentic. The acting from Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell is strong and Oscar-worthy. Timothee is proving to be one of the best actors of his generation. It is a no-frills movie that illustrates the struggles and cyclical nature of destructive addiction, relapse, and recovery. It is beautifully directed and poignantly adapted from two memoirs. It also displays the emotional dynamic and turmoil of the father-son bond wonderfully. The cinematography is also top notch and captures the tone of the film. I am honestly baffled by some of the critic reviews. Beautiful Boy deserves a much higher rating. The film is honest and I empathized with the issues because the film explores the pain in such a real way. We witness how the addiction affects the entire family and how average people can be sucked into the black hole that drugs offers. It is relevant in this day and age to show the problems that relatable youth face. In most Hollywood films, we typically see the addiction melodramatically explored with individuals suffering from a specific trauma or living in abject poverty. In this film, we see the torment & despair of addiction powerfully & realistically explored within a middle-class family. Beautiful Boy is a must-see for everyone. It deserves Oscar nominations for Timothee Chalamet, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and directing. The movie is so much better than a number of the other acclaimed, flashy Oscar contenders of 2018. Beautiful Boy is candid and naturalistic. Not only does the audience get access to such fine artful filmmaking but also gets served with life lessons.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

The3AcademySins

Oct 20, 2018

Beautiful Boy is an incredibly realistic journey through addiction. If you have ever dealt with addiction yourself, or had a family member or loved one go through addiction, then this will be a very hard movie to watch. There really wasn't a dry eye in the house by the time the creditsBeautiful Boy is an incredibly realistic journey through addiction. If you have ever dealt with addiction yourself, or had a family member or loved one go through addiction, then this will be a very hard movie to watch. There really wasn't a dry eye in the house by the time the credits rolled.

The father and son relationship between Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet is the core of the movie, and it really takes you through the peaks and valleys of that relationship. Timothee Chalamet gives a peerless performance. His description of what the meth does to him and how he is just so sad and "doesn't want to live in this reality anymore" really resonated with me. While Chalamet is the driving force of the story, Beautiful Boy is Steve Carrell's movie. He is a father who doesn't know how to help his son, and seeing his gradual degradation and enduring love is heartbreaking. The journey that these characters take together and alone is like watching a flowing, lucid river. Nothing feels unnatural. Something I appreciated about both of their performances and the movie itself was the use of silence. There is not a whole lot of dialogue in Beautiful Boy. If you saw "Call Me By Your Name" you will know Timothee Chalamet is a master of stillness and silence in acting, but Steve Carrell handles silence just as well, if not better.

My one flaw with the movie is that it definitely does start to drag. It's two hours long, and in my opinion it could have had the same impact and gotten the story across in 90 minutes. In spite of that, this is a must-see movie. I think it's going to be a contender for the Academy Awards this year. If I were to make a prediction, I think Steve Carrell will get a Best Actor nom, and Timothee Chalamet will get a Best Supporting Actor nom. If you do go see Beautiful Boy, bring tissues.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

hepwa

Oct 19, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The beautiful boy in my life was named David and he lived with my friends and I for about a year in the late 90's. I was naive enough to think I knew what drugs he was taking and even more naive in thinking I could help him. He recovered and relapsed multiple times and then, about five years ago, and having fallen mostly out of touch, I read on Facebook that he died. It was terribly sad; a drug overdose that was likely suicide. David was handsome and funny and charmed everyone he would meet and I spent a great deal of time wondering why? How could someone with so many gifts choose self-destruction over and over again?

Living in Vancouver and familiar with the notorious East Side, observed occasionally from the confines of my vehicle, its almost unbearable to dwell on the tragedies and misfortune, broken hearts and broken families that populate Hastings and area. But to focus on how it makes me feel is obviously wrong. I don't have any skin in the game.

Tonight, I watched my most anticipated movie of the year, a valiant effort to dig into those tragedies, those broken families caught in the hurricane of drug addiction. Beautiful Boy is based on two memoirs (primarily "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff, but also Nic Sheff's "Tweak") condensed by screenwriter Luke Davies and directed by Felix Van Groeningen. Those who follow such things might already know that the film underwent multiple edits to find its final rhythm and while it doesn't always succeed, I admire the director for tossing the Sid Field playbook and attempting to give the film a unique voice. An attentive audience won't get lost, but this subject matter isn't for everyone and I could understand why some might reject it.

The story of a privileged young man who succumbs to the grip of crystal meth addiction is terrifying and infuriating, often at the same time. It is easy to empathize with Steve Carrell's David Sheff, at his wits end and slowly realizing that he has to let go of his grown son and come to grips with the fact that the beautiful boy he knew is now a manipulative, selfish, lying thief who will tear his family apart in order to secure his next fix.

The issue with pacing that has been pointed out by others are slightly overblown, in my opinion, though the criticism of the film's music choices are easier to understand. I'm listening to Sufjan Stevens' "Carrie & Lowell" while writing this and imagining what he could have done with "Beautiful Boy"'s soundtrack like he did for Luca Guadanigno last year.

As an acting showcase, "Beautiful Boy" is a lopsided success. While Steve Carrell has some incredibly touching moments and you can genuinely feel his despair, there are moments where he might be in over his head as a performer. Unfortunately, he disappears in the presence of stronger actors, including Maura Tierney as his noble second wife.

Timothee Chalamet plays Nic Sheff, in a performance that certainly equals his best-of-the-decade work in "Call Me by Your Name" but this is as far from Elio Perlman as you could possibly be. While Elio learned to live with his pain, Nic Sheff learned to live within it, to crave it and surrender to its control of him.

Chalamet's gifts as an actor are just astonishing. Its like watching the severed power line at the end of "The Ice Storm" for two hours, crackling and twisting, fascinating and deadly. You don't learn to do this in acting class. I was already a huge fan. Now I'm just in awe.

And please stay all the way through the end credits. The first half features the song "Treasure" by Sampha but then segues into Chalamet's recitation of the Charles Bukowski poem "Let It Enfold You". It is staggeringly beautiful.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

MattBrady99

Nov 25, 2018

LIFF32 (2018) #5

‘Beautiful Boy’ is a melancholic look on parenthood and the tragedy of watching loved ones dissolve away under lethal drugs. Based on David Sheff novel (by the same name) which documents his son addiction. Hard to sink in, but harder to forget. Timothee Chalamet wasLIFF32 (2018) #5

‘Beautiful Boy’ is a melancholic look on parenthood and the tragedy of watching loved ones dissolve away under lethal drugs. Based on David Sheff novel (by the same name) which documents his son addiction. Hard to sink in, but harder to forget.

Timothee Chalamet was magnificent in this movie and proves that 'Call Me By Your Name' wasn't just a fluke for him. Chalamet went in-depth in terms of preparation, such as: losing 25 lbs for the role and advice a doctor on set to ensure his acting as a drug addict was authentic - all his effort paid off beautifully. While Nick cause plenty of problem towards himself and his family, yet isn’t portrayed as some villain for the audience to hate, just humanized enough to understand his struggle.

However, I thought Steve Carell was the biggest stand out. While Chalamet had the most showy scenes and material for him to be more talked about, but Carell’s performance, in my opinion, was just more powerful. I think it’s the quietness and natural presence that makes him believable. By placing yourself in the parent shoes, it makes for a devastating thought. Whenever Carell yelled, I must admit, I heard Michael Scott from ‘The Office’, but that didn’t distract too much from his performance. When he cried, I cried with him.

The editing choices is quite bold, to say the least. Like take Jean-Marc Vallée style of editing, but set to overdrive - which is my biggest issue with certain cuts, especially at the beginning where it jumped between flashback and present day. After awhile it calmed down and show relevant scenes. Felix Van Groeningen approach to film making and writing brings a raw look on drug addiction while following some narrative cliches. Although I see this as an actors movie, as he allows the two leads to create their own characters within this world.

Also, the soundtrack-like structure didn’t bother me that much despite the handful of complaints from people. I view the soundtrack as a visually way of showing the character’s emotional state depending on the music choice.

Overall rating: It’s got flaws, but still translates novel into a visual powerhouse. Nothing like ‘Requiem for a Dream’, but convinced me to never do drugs.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TVJerry

Oct 30, 2018

This film is actually based on 2 best-sellers: one by the father (played by Steve Carell) and the other by the son (Timothee Chalamet). They both examine the heartbreaking cycle of addiction, relapse and recovery from their POVs. Since the plot (which jumps freely in time) is steeped inThis film is actually based on 2 best-sellers: one by the father (played by Steve Carell) and the other by the son (Timothee Chalamet). They both examine the heartbreaking cycle of addiction, relapse and recovery from their POVs. Since the plot (which jumps freely in time) is steeped in frustration and misery, it's up to the actors to make this powerful relationship come to life. While Carell mostly plays it low-key, Chalamet creates a devastating, ultimately heartbreaking character. With the harsh re-creations of this cycle's repercussions, this experience is a relentless downer. It will be appreciated by those affected by addiction or lovers of compelling performances. NOTE: Stay thru the credits to hear the full Bukowski poem that's introduced earlier.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Compi24

Nov 13, 2018

Addiction dramas are always a chore. And that definitely seems to be the point. You're supposed to feel the frustration and desperation of the addicted characters involved. But I found this one especially frustrating for some reason. Perhaps it's the potency and resilience of the kind ofAddiction dramas are always a chore. And that definitely seems to be the point. You're supposed to feel the frustration and desperation of the addicted characters involved. But I found this one especially frustrating for some reason. Perhaps it's the potency and resilience of the kind of addiction dealt with by the film's main character. Or it could be the overly understated performances and direction that made this feel as empty as it ended up making me feel. Either way, though the movie has a few memorable and even heartbreaking moments, I couldn't help but feel as though a more expressive and dramatic approach would've worked better. Still, a competent work overall.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

GreatMartin

Nov 2, 2018

Between the coming attraction trailer, the cast including a very already proven actor Steve Carell, an actor on the rise of a very admirable career ahead of him, Timothee Chalamet, after appearing in “Call Me By Your Name” and “Lady Bird", a favorite underrated actress Maura Tierney and whatBetween the coming attraction trailer, the cast including a very already proven actor Steve Carell, an actor on the rise of a very admirable career ahead of him, Timothee Chalamet, after appearing in “Call Me By Your Name” and “Lady Bird", a favorite underrated actress Maura Tierney and what looked like a strong story based on books written by the father and son, I really was expecting a lot more from “Beautiful Boy”.

The movie is about a father (Carell) who doesn't know what has happened to his beautiful boy (Chalament) who now a teenager is a hardcore drug addict. The father has no idea how to help his son or even what caused it and we, the audience, can only guess at the causes. Was it his parents getting a divorce when he was younger or is father remarrying? He seems to love his stepmother (Tierney) and the two kids she and his father have.

We see the father struggling to understand what drug addiction is all about and he is there to help his son no matter how far the latter goes down from stealing his kid brother’s hidden money, to quitting school, to shooting up until he winds up in the hospital from overdosing. We see the son getting sober and relapsing with the latter looked upon as a part of the cure.

Most of the scenes between the son and father are powerful, moving and affecting but they are constantly interrupted by the non-linear timeline along with vistas along the west coast of California and pictures of their home and the surrounding area that are more an advertisement for the tourist bureau than they add to the story. Each time we get into the nitty-gritty of the boy’s addiction, the problems it causes and the places it takes him to, the camera swings to scenes of the ocean, the waves coming ashore, endless roads or even a picture of the son, with his siblings, running under a lawn shower.

While many scenes are realistic there are 2 taking place in a restaurant where the two shouting at each other isn’t noticed by the help or other patrons. A brief romance with another addict, played by Kaitlyn Dever, grabs the audience’s attention only to be forgotten about within minutes.

The 2-hour movie directed by Felix Van Groeningen, who also wrote the screenplay with Luke Davies, is really a powerful film with the scenes between the father and son only brought down and made boring by the other hour of veering off the course of their relationship. Do we really need to hear Perry Como singing “Sunrise, Sunset” from “Fiddler of the Roof” and taking us out of the picture for 3 minutes?

“Beautiful Boy” leaves you with a lot of questions that should have been answered in the unspooling of the film but instead leaving you with a bored feeling and asking why the two excellent performances of the male leads weren’t covered with a more in-depth story.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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