By Roger Costa
BEN IS BACK
As soon as her troubled young son arrives back home from rehab, an anxious mother collects everything valuable and hides them away. Witnessing her actions, her daughter realizes he isn’t ready for their trust, as he had disappointed in several times before and in many ways, but deserves a chance, especially as Christmas approaches. There’s a tremendous intensity, sorrow and despair in this scene: the consequences of drug addiction, families torn apart and divided by principles, habits and trust, everyone is affected. It exposes the traumatic experiences of a supportive family dealing with the abuse and uncontrollable dark forces taking over someone’s life. Julia Roberts is impressive as the fierce mother who will join and keep an eye on her son for the rest of the time he spends with them, just to make sure he isn’t going to fail again before returning to treatment. Lucas Hedges gives one more fine example of why he certainly is the best actor of his generation, building up another complex, timely and unforgettable character as the problematic son. As they delve into the night looking for a missing dog, dark revelations from the past emerge, adding more shocking material to the story, involving a young girl who just overdosed, a reckless doctor, a child molester teacher, and how society and prejudice play major roles in their decisions. Nominated for the People’s Choice Award at Toronto, where the film premiered, it is director Peter Hedges’ fourth and most accomplished project. He managed to conceive four brilliant films in the span of 15 years, all dealing with family reunions and traumas, which include “Pieces of April”, “Dan In Real Life” and “Timothy Green”. Highly emotional and suspenseful, it’s a coherent and precise look at the effects of drug destruction, driven by its tour-de-force performances. (Roadside Attractions. 12/13. Cinepolis Chelsea.)
FREE SOLO
The extremely radical and incredible true story of a young climber who managed to escalate the ‘El Captain’ at Yosemite National Park without using any rope. Award-winning documentarian pair Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi follow determined athlete Tommy Caldwell, as he prepares for the life-challenging task, studies the great rocks of the mountain and points out his skillful strategies. It also gets very personal and inclusive as the camera introduces his estranged family, their issues and expectations, as well as the fact he might not be able to complete it and never really come back. There are also insightful moments shared with his girlfriend (a lovable, motivational young lady), resulting on a finely honest portrait of modern love and insecurity among the young generation (despite their eagerness and fearless attempts to conquer). Hugely awarded at many festivals, including named one of the Top 5 docs of the year by National Board of Review, it is a thrilling real experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. (National Geographic. 12/13. Village East Cinemas.)
AT ETERNITY’S GATE
An exhilarating portrait of infamous painter Van Gogh, this is Oscar-nominated director Julian Schnabel’s most provocative and audacious film to date. Shot with seductive, claustrophobic angles focusing on the painter’s maddened emotions and dilemmas, it creates a brilliantly nervous sense of delirium throughout the narrative, while following his inspirational moments. Williem Dafoe won the Best Actor Award in Venice and is up for a Golden Globe next month for his deeply moving embodiment of the fascinating artist. Oscar Isaac as Gauguin and Mads Mikkelsen as The Priest give brief but compelling appearances, especially the latest who shares a crucial moment with Van Gogh as he explains the motives for his passionate and compulsive artistic gift. A delightful wonder. (CBS Films. 12/13. Landmark 57 West.)
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