Luca Guadagnino’s drama squanders Julia Roberts’ spark
With a stellar cast and a talented director at the helm, expectations were high for the new drama film, “Ben is Back”. Starring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges, the film tells the story of a mother’s desperate attempt to save her son from drug addiction over the course of 24 hours.
However, despite the star power and potential of the film, many critics and viewers were disappointed by the final product. While there were certainly moments of emotional impact and powerful performances, the film overall failed to live up to its promise. And one of the most disappointing aspects was the squandering of Julia Roberts’ undeniable spark.
One of the most beloved and accomplished actresses of our time, Julia Roberts has a screen presence that is hard to ignore. From her breakthrough role in “Pretty Woman” to her recent critically acclaimed performance in “Wonder”, Roberts has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with on screen. So, it was not surprising that her casting in “Ben is Back” generated much buzz and excitement.
Yet, despite her undeniable talent, Roberts’ performance in the film fell short of expectations. This, however, is not entirely her fault. The film’s script and direction failed to fully utilize her abilities, leaving her character feeling one-dimensional and lacking in depth.
Roberts plays Holly, a fierce and determined mother who will stop at nothing to help her son overcome his addiction. And while this character could have been a real tour de force for Roberts, she was unfortunately given limited opportunities to truly shine. The script relies heavily on cliché and predictable moments, leaving little room for her to explore the complexities of her character. As a result, Holly comes across as a one-note and overly dramatic character, robbing Roberts of the chance to truly showcase her range and talent.
But it’s not just the writing that let Roberts down, it’s also the direction of Luca Guadagnino. Known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films like “Call Me By Your Name”, Guadagnino’s style seemed to be at odds with the story of “Ben is Back”. The constant use of close-up shots and jarring camera angles felt out of place in a film that needed a more grounded and heartfelt approach. This style, while effective in his previous works, only served to further distance the audience from the characters and prevent us from connecting with them on a deeper level.
Despite these shortcomings, there were still moments where Roberts’ undeniable talent shone through. In particular, a scene where she confronts her son’s drug dealer is a testament to her ability to command the screen and convey raw emotion. But these moments were few and far between, leaving us wanting more from such a talented actress.
It’s clear that both Roberts and Hedges gave it their all in their roles, but the film as a whole ultimately failed to live up to their potential. Perhaps with a different script and a more suitable director, their performances could have been truly outstanding. Instead, we are left with a film that squandered the opportunity to fully showcase Roberts’ undeniable spark.
In conclusion, while “Ben is Back” may have had all the ingredients for a powerful and emotional drama, it ultimately fell short in its execution. And one of the biggest disappointments was the underutilization of Julia Roberts’ talent and star power. But fear not, for Roberts continues to be one of the most versatile and captivating actresses in Hollywood, and we can only hope that her next project will allow her to truly shine once again.
