Hillbilly Elegy: A Film Review

Summary

Hillbilly Elegy is a 2020 American drama film directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Vanessa Taylor. It is based on the 2016 memoir of the same name by J. D. Vance. The film stars Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso, and Haley Bennett.

Plot

The film follows J.D. Vance (Basso), a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale Law student, who is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family crisis forces him to return home. As he reflects on three generations of his family's history, J.D. must come to terms with the Appalachian values that shaped him and the challenges he faces in his own life.

Critical Reception

Hillbilly Elegy has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the film's performances, particularly those of Adams and Close, as well as Howard's direction. However, others have criticized the film for its simplistic portrayal of Appalachian culture and its over-reliance on flashbacks.

Conclusion

Hillbilly Elegy is a well-made film with strong performances, but its simplistic portrayal of Appalachian culture and over-reliance on flashbacks ultimately limit its effectiveness.