# Ben Is Back (2018)

> On a fragile Christmas homecoming, a mother races to protect her recovering son and family from the pull of addiction.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/338335

## Facts

- Runtime: 103 min
- Genres: Drama
- Director: Peter Hedges
- Cast: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Kathryn Newton, Rachel Bay Jones, David Zaldivar, Alexandra Park, Michael Esper
- TMDB rating: 6.6/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7545524/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: tense, bleak, intimate, christmas viewing, serious movie night

## Synopsis

A mother's love is put to the ultimate test as she fights to save her son from his demons.

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- [A Good Person (2023)](https://ember.film/movie/569345)
- [Goodbye June (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7412544)
- [Sherrybaby (2006)](https://ember.film/movie/7493)
- [Love the Coopers (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/212134)
- [I Smile Back (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/190376)
- [At the Sea (2026)](https://ember.film/movie/7306942)
- [The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)](https://ember.film/movie/1215846)
- [Breakthrough (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/355977)
- [Leave the World Behind (2023)](https://ember.film/movie/513967)

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