Directed by Ron Howard

Starring: Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso

Rated R for language throughout, drug content and some violence 

Based on the novel of the same name by J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy is a new Netflix film directed by Ron Howard. In this film, J.D. (played by Gabriel Basso) is a Yale student is in the middle of interview week at school. In the middle of the week, J.D. gets a call concerning his mother, Bev (played by Amy Adams), being put in the hospital due to the use of drugs. With the news of his mother, J.D. returns to his hometown in Ohio and recalls all the memories he had of growing up in the town.

Upon researching this film, I saw Hillbilly Elegy has negative reviews. Upon seeing these reviews, I pondered on why the film has these reviews. While the film is not perfect, its also not a horrific film that deserves the negative reviews. Let’s start off with the acting. When you have actresses such as Glenn Close and Amy Adams, you know you are going to get powerhouse performances and that is what is delivered. Close and Adams, and even Basso who plays the main character, all deliver strong performances. The top notch performances are the strongest aspect of the film and make the film worth watching.

While I enjoyed the strong acting in the film, I did take issue with the story. The story revolves J.D. returning to his hometown in Ohio after receiving a call that his mother is on drugs again and is hospitalized. On the surface, it seems like a simple narrative. College students returns back home and recalls all the good and bad memories he had in town. But when the main character recalls his childhood, the story slows down a bit. Since almost half of the film consists of flashbacks, the film seems longer than it is. After the first few flashbacks, we understand the concept that J.D.’s childhood was awful. We understand why he went to the military and went to school in the northeast. The film didn’t have to force this narrative multiple times. I was more interested in the current story of J.D. trying to find a room for his mother and trying to get back to school on time.

I genuinely believe that if the film reduced the flashbacks and focused on the present day plot, it would have been a hit. I understand this film is based on a book and these flashbacks probably work for an autobiography, but it doesn’t work here unfortunately. After a few flashbacks, we understand that J.D.’s mother is a mess and his grandmother is the glue of the family. The film didn’t have to show this for half of the film because it just brings the film to a halt. Hillbilly Elegy is not the awful film many critics are leading you to believe and it is certainly not an Oscar worthy film (well, maybe a nomination for makeup and acting) but it has its moment. Hillbilly Elegy is worth a watch for audience members who enjoy these types of dramas, but be prepared to get a bit bored.

2.5/4