Joe Bell

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 23, 2021

Genre
Drama, Biography

Cast & Crew

• Mark Wahlberg as Joe Bell
• Reid Miller as Jadin Bell
• Connie Britton as Lola Bell
• Maxwell Jenkins as Joseph Bell
• Gary Sinise as Sheriff Westin

Director
Reinaldo Marcus Green

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Monsters and Men (2018)
• King Richard (2021)

Producer
Jake Gyllenhaal, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Riva Marker, Eva Maria Daniels, Mark Wahlberg

Writer
Diana Ossana, Larry McMurtry

Budget
Estimated $10 million

Production Company
Endeavor Content, Argent Pictures, Nine Stories Productions

Running Time
94 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language including offensive slurs, some disturbing material, and thematic elements)

Content Advisory

• Strong language, including homophobic slurs
• Themes of bullying and suicide
• Emotional and distressing content

Movie Story
“Joe Bell” is a biographical drama that tells the heart-wrenching true story of Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg), a father who embarks on a cross-country walk to raise awareness about the effects of bullying after his teenage son, Jadin Bell (Reid Miller), takes his own life due to relentless harassment at school for being gay.

The film alternates between Joe’s journey on foot across America and flashbacks to Jadin’s life, highlighting the struggles he faced as an openly gay teenager in a small town in Oregon. As Joe walks, he speaks to groups and individuals about the dangers of bullying and the importance of acceptance, while also grappling with his own guilt and grief over Jadin’s death.

Throughout his journey, Joe reflects on his relationship with Jadin, realizing how his own actions and attitudes may have contributed to his son’s pain. The film explores themes of redemption, parental love, and the impact of societal prejudices on LGBTQ+ youth.

As Joe’s walk progresses, he encounters various people who either support or challenge his mission, helping him to better understand the depth of his loss and the importance of the message he is trying to spread. The film builds toward a poignant and emotional conclusion, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in a world that can often be cruel to those who are different.

Special Effects
“Joe Bell” is a character-driven drama that focuses on the emotional journey of its protagonist rather than on special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded and realistic, capturing the expansive landscapes of America as Joe makes his way across the country. The cinematography emphasizes the isolation and determination of Joe’s journey, using natural light and wide shots to convey the vastness of his undertaking and the loneliness of his grief.

Box Office Performance
“Joe Bell” had a limited theatrical release and was met with mixed reviews. While the film was praised for its performances, particularly by Mark Wahlberg and Reid Miller, it did not achieve significant box office success. The film’s heavy themes and emotional content resonated with some viewers, but its pacing and narrative approach received criticism from others.

Filming Locations

• Utah, USA
• Oregon, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m doing this walk for my son, for all the kids who have been bullied, for those who feel like they don’t belong.” – Joe Bell
• “It’s not enough to just love your child. You have to show them that love every day.” – Joe Bell

Behind-the-Scenes
“Joe Bell” is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his ability to tell human stories with depth and sensitivity. The screenplay was written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry, the Oscar-winning writers of Brokeback Mountain. Mark Wahlberg took on the role of Joe Bell not only as an actor but also as a producer, driven by the importance of telling this story. The film was made with input from the real-life Bell family, aiming to honor Jadin’s memory and raise awareness about the devastating effects of bullying.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Joe Bell” is a heartfelt and somber film that tackles the difficult subjects of bullying, suicide, and grief. Mark Wahlberg delivers a poignant performance as a father trying to atone for the loss of his son, while Reid Miller shines in his portrayal of Jadin Bell, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a young man facing unbearable challenges. While the film may not be perfect in its execution, it is an important and emotional story that brings attention to issues that continue to affect many young people today. “Joe Bell” serves as a reminder of the power of love, acceptance, and the need to stand up against bullying.

IMDb Rating
5.8/10