“Beautiful Boy” is a raw, challenging look at drug addiction. This is the true story of teenager Nic Sheff, whose casual drug use quickly led to a constant need for something stronger. He begins his story as a likable kid with hopes and dreams but it doesn’t take long for his life to spiral out of control. Timothée Chamalet puts forth an impressive performance as he portrays the many different phases of Nic’s addiction. By the end of the film, it is hard to believe that the pathetic, broken young man is the same person that had so much life in his eyes at the beginning. His critical acclaim and awards nominations have been well-earned. Steve Carell gives the most emotional performance of his life in the role of Nic’s father, David. The film is particularly difficult to watch as a father because the story is told from his perspective. There is a painful amount of empathy that will make you pray that you never have to see your own child suffer like this. Carell sheds his typical funny man persona and demonstrates the devastating effects of a person’s drug addiction on their loved ones. For fans of “The Office,” it was a cruel joke to cast Carell with Amy Ryan (Michael Scott and Holly), only to reveal that they are divorced and only appear in one scene together. The content of the film reminds me of “Requiem for a Dream.” It is difficult to stomach in its straightforward approach to what drug use looks like and it’s negative effects on both the human body and psyche. The story explores rehab, halfway houses, relapse, and how difficult it is to maintain sobriety when your body desires drugs so badly. The content is extreme and should only be approached in the proper mental state. It would make any person question the risk vs. reward of drugs and, like “Requiem,” this is a good film to share with a young person who is battling with peer pressure. “Beautiful Boy” offers strong acting performances and a well-written script but the most important part of this film lies in its thesis: drug addiction begins with a single use and once it grabs hold of you, it will destroy you and every person that you care about.
[Pictured: The high stakes emotions bring the dangers of drugs to the forefront of the film]
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