Beautiful Boy
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Steve Carell, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan
Directed by: Felix Van Groeningen
Rated: R
As Nic (Timothée Chalamet) gets ready to go to college, his family discovers he has a drug problem. They'll just send him to rehab and he'll get better, right? After a stint in a treatment center, Nic's father (Steve Carrell) learns his son is spiraling out of control.
Based on the lives (and memoirs) of Nic Sheff and his father, David, Beautiful Boy is a haunting film that explores the cyclical nature of drug addiction.
Director Felix Van Groeningen builds this film in a non-linear timeline. During the first act, there are a few scenes where this is a bit confusing because we're not sure if specific events take place in the past or present tense. However, as the film continues it becomes much easier to follow. As Nic struggles with drug addiction, his father, David, frequently sees flashbacks to him as a child or struggling teen. I really appreciated the way the film uses these flashbacks to build on the emotional core of Nic and David's relationship. There are scenes that will jump from Nic as an innocent child to Nic strung out on drugs. These moments showcase the impact of David's personal struggle as a father who wants to do what's best for his son. Another place the directing shines is highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction. Throughout the film, it feels like Nic is digging himself into a hole. Just when we think he has pulled himself out of it, he falls back in and pulls someone else down with him. It's a horrifying cycle that feels never ending.
The acting in this movie is unbelievable. Timothée Chalamet is heart wrenching as Nic Sheff. The escalation of Nic’s character is painful to watch as he goes from innocent child, to college bound teen, to meth addict deep in the throes of addiction. There are moments when he seems okay, like the beautiful boy his father knows so well. Then those moments quickly fade away and he looks downright frightening as drugs take control of his body. There's a deep desperation to Nic as he manipulates, lies, and begs for money to get the drugs he needs. Despite all of this, Chalamet has a way of making us sympathize with the character.
Ultimately this is a film about a father-son bond. However, it doesn't shy away from the fact that addiction affects everyone. It shows that Nic's addiction takes a major toll on the whole family. David tries everything to help his son, but how far can you go to help an adult?
Steve Carrell gives one of his career best performances as David Sheff. He keeps things subdued when they need to be, but shines in the especially emotional moments. There's a scene between Carell and Chalamet at a restaurant that stands out as one of the best scenes I've watched this year. David is just trying to get his son to come home and Nic has put up a wall. Drugs are his world now. The two actors build off of each other's energy making for an intense and harrowing few minutes. I believe both actors will be nominated for Oscars for their incredible work in Beautiful Boy.
In my opinion, the ending of this film is very fitting. However, I could see where people could have problems with it because it is not a standard movie ending. I think it fits perfectly with the narrative and tone that has been set about the cycle of addiction.
Beautiful Boy does not offer a cure or answer to drug addiction. Instead, it shows the audience a series of moments surrounding one family who will stop at nothing to save their son. Beautiful Boy is a haunting and emotional film that will stick with you long after you leave the theater.
My Rating: 9/10