Hillbilly Elegy

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 24, 2020

Genre
Drama, Biography

Cast & Crew

• Amy Adams as Beverly “Bev” Vance
• Glenn Close as Bonnie “Mamaw” Vance
• Gabriel Basso as J.D. Vance
• Haley Bennett as Lindsay
• Freida Pinto as Usha
• Bo Hopkins as Papaw Vance

Director
Ron Howard

Other Movies Director is Known For

• A Beautiful Mind (2001)
• Apollo 13 (1995)
• The Da Vinci Code (2006)
• Cinderella Man (2005)
• Frost/Nixon (2008)

Producer
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Karen Lunder

Writer
Vanessa Taylor (Screenplay), J.D. Vance (Memoir)

Budget
$45 million

Production Company
Imagine Entertainment

Running Time
116 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Drug use
• Emotional distress
• Domestic violence

Movie Story
“Hillbilly Elegy” is a deeply personal drama based on the memoir of J.D. Vance, which explores the complexities of family, culture, and the American Dream. The story is a poignant journey through J.D.’s childhood and early adulthood as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family in the Rust Belt. The film opens with J.D. (Gabriel Basso) as a law student at Yale, preparing for a crucial interview that could secure his future. However, his plans are interrupted by a phone call from his sister, Lindsay (Haley Bennett), informing him that their mother, Bev (Amy Adams), has overdosed on heroin.

The narrative then shifts back and forth between J.D.’s past and present, revealing the tumultuous relationship he had with his mother, a woman struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and the pressures of single motherhood. Amy Adams delivers a raw and heartbreaking performance as Bev, capturing the pain and desperation of a woman caught in a cycle of poverty and addiction. Despite her flaws, Bev’s love for her children is evident, though her ability to care for them is severely compromised.

The heart of the story, however, lies in the bond between J.D. and his grandmother, Mamaw (Glenn Close). Mamaw is a tough, no-nonsense woman who becomes J.D.’s guiding light and source of stability amidst the chaos of his upbringing. Glenn Close’s portrayal of Mamaw is both fierce and tender, embodying the resilience and determination of a woman who refuses to let her grandson be defined by his circumstances.

As J.D. reflects on his past, the film delves into the broader issues facing many working-class Americans, such as economic instability, lack of educational opportunities, and the impact of generational trauma. “Hillbilly Elegy” does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in Appalachia but also offers a message of hope and perseverance. Through J.D.’s journey, the film highlights the importance of family, the struggle to break free from the past, and the power of self-determination.

Special Effects
The film’s focus on character-driven storytelling means that special effects play a minimal role. However, the film effectively uses visual techniques to portray the contrasts between J.D.’s life at Yale and his past in Appalachia, emphasizing the stark differences in socio-economic environments.

Box Office Performance
“Hillbilly Elegy” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was primarily released on Netflix. While the film received mixed reviews, it garnered significant attention and sparked discussions about its portrayal of the Appalachian community.

Filming Locations

• Middletown, Ohio, USA
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Macon, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Family’s the only thing that means a goddamn.” – Mamaw
• “Where we come from is who we are, but we choose every day who we become.” – J.D. Vance

Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s production involved close collaboration with J.D. Vance to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of his memoir. Glenn Close’s transformation into Mamaw required extensive makeup and prosthetics, a process that earned significant praise for its accuracy.

Awards

• Nominated for 2 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress – Glenn Close, Best Makeup and Hairstyling)
• Nominated for 3 Critics’ Choice Awards (including Best Supporting Actress – Glenn Close)

Final Verdict
“Hillbilly Elegy” is a deeply emotional film that offers a window into the struggles of working-class America. While its reception was polarized, the performances of Amy Adams and Glenn Close stand out as powerful portrayals of resilience and love in the face of adversity. The film’s exploration of familial bonds and personal redemption makes it a thought-provoking watch.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10