Is Ben Is Back Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ben Is Back is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ben Is Back Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Ben Is Back emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 19-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Unlike standard genre fare, Ben Is Back attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ben Is Back features a noteworthy lineup led by Julia Roberts . Supported by the likes of Lucas Hedges and Courtney B. Vance , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ben Is Back (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ben Is Back Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ben Is Back is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 19-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben's mother, Holly, is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother's undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Ben Is Back Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ben Is Back concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ben Is Back reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ben Is Back?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Ben Is Back Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $13.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ben Is Back Budget
The estimated production budget for Ben Is Back is $13.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ben Is Back
- Julia Roberts – Holly Burns
- Lucas Hedges – Ben Burns
- Courtney B. Vance – Mr. Beeby
- Kathryn Newton – Ivy Burns
- Rachel Bay Jones – Beth Conyers
Top Highlights
Julia RobertsHolly Burns
Lucas HedgesBen Burns
Courtney B. VanceMr. Beeby
Kathryn NewtonIvy Burns
Rachel Bay JonesBeth Conyers
David ZaldivarSpencer 'Spider' Webbs
Alexandra ParkCara K.
Michael EsperClayton
Tim GuineePhil
Myra Lucretia TaylorSally
Where to Watch Ben Is Back Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Ben Is Back is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Ben Is Back stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Is Back movie hit or flop?
Ben Is Back has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ben Is Back worth watching?
Ben Is Back is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ben Is Back online?
Ben Is Back may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Ben Is Back
"Ben" (Lucas Hedges) arrives at his mother's home on Christmas eve and she is delighted. "Holly" (Julia Roberts) and her daughter "Ivy" (Kathryn Newton) know that he has a problem, though. He's a drug addict and has only recently managed to go for seven days without using. A Christmas carol service and an happy Christmas beckon for all if only he can stay sober but his erstwhile dealer has other plans and using the boy's dog as bait, entices him into one last delivery that has everyone racing around before something tragic happens. It's all rather bleak, this, with neither Hedges nor Roberts really having much to work with aside from the rather depressingly presented subject matter. Perhaps this will resonate more with those who have experienced some of the traumas addiction can cause, and this story certainly has an authentic (television) look to it, but there are plenty of better put together stories of recovery (or not) out there that reach out to the uninformed and unfamiliar in a more constructive fashion - and this just rather slotted in mid-table. I like Hedges, he has something natural about him - but here they are both rather mediocre in a rather mediocre melodrama that doesn't really develop the characters or the underlying threads of the story anywhere near enough.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
