Hillbilly Elegy

Synopsis: A Yale Law student drawn back to his Appalachian hometown reflects on his family's history and his own future.

Movie review:

“Hillbilly Elegy” was directed by Ron Howard and is based on J.D. Vance’s memoir of the same name. It goes into detail about his family history, his conflicted relationship with his drug addict mother, and his early days in the mid 90’s to his college years at Yale. Glenn Close plays J.D.’s grandmother and the make-up team did an amazing job transforming her into this character to the point she is unrecognizable. In my opinion, Glenn Close is the best thing about this movie. She gives an emotional performance as the tough matriarch of this dysfunctional family. Haley Bennet plays Lindsay, J.D.’s older sister and she does a great job making the audience feel sympathy toward her for the hard life she has endured and can’t escape. Gabriel Basso plays the adult J.D. Vance but he seems flat and one-dimensional throughout the film. I thought Owen Asztalos (who plays the younger J.D. Vance) gave an outstanding and talented portrayal of J.D. and the chemistry he had with Glenn Close and Amy Adams in all of his scenes was riveting. His scenes with Glenn Closes depicted a heartbreaking relationship that was unbreakable between generations. It was the heart of the movie. Freida Pinto plays Usha, J.D.’s girlfriend and she was caring, sympathetic and loving and the audience believed the bond she shared with J.D. Amy Adams plays J.D.’s mother. She is a drug addicted nurse and mother who makes one bad decision in her life after another. She is very unlikable and abusive throughout the movie. Unfortunately, this movie will not appeal to everyone. Personally, it didn’t grab me emotionally, but I am sure some people can relate to it and will love it. “Hillbilly Elegy” has a great cast, great acting, and an important message about family and life, but I found it to fall flat. I am giving “Hillbilly Elegy” a 2 out of 5 stars.

Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Amy Adams, Haley Bennett, Glenn Close, Freida Pinto, Gabriel Basso, Bo Hopkins, Sunny Mabrey, Keong Sim and Owen Aszatalos

Runtime: 116 minutes