Beautiful Boy

Beautiful Boy

Year: 2018

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Felix Van Groeningen

BiographyDrama

A seemingly charmed teenager's descent into crystal meth addiction shatters his idyllic facade, leaving his loving family on the brink of collapse. As his father fights to restore their shattered lives, a poignant portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of addiction unfolds in this powerful drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Beautiful Boy yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Beautiful Boy (2018)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Beautiful Boy (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film spans across various moments in contemporary times, showcasing the escalating addiction crisis, parental struggles, and the impact of substance abuse on families. It encapsulates a reality many face, marked by desperation and the quest for recovery in the modern world.

Location

San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles

San Francisco serves as the family's home, known for its vibrant culture and scenic vistas, framing their struggles with addiction. The narrative also unfolds in New York, a city that symbolizes the chaos and challenges of Nic's addiction. Los Angeles is featured later, representing both a place of fresh starts and continued struggles for the family.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban 🌅 Sunset

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Main Characters – Beautiful Boy (2018)
Meet the key characters of Beautiful Boy (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Sheff (Steve Carell)

David is a devoted father who experiences the intricate emotional landscape of watching his son battle addiction. His character embodies both the pain of helplessness and the fierce determination to support his son. Through the narrative, David's vulnerability illustrates a father's love amidst chaos.

👨‍👦 Fatherly Love 😢 Heartbreak 🌱 Supportive

Nic Sheff (Timothée Chalamet)

Nic represents the struggle with addiction, showcasing both the brilliance and fragility of a young man caught in its grip. His character's journey is marked by a longing for connection and the devastating pull of substance abuse. The portrayal emphasizes his dual identity as both a loving son and a troubled individual.

⚡ Chaos 😞 Struggle 🌹 Vulnerable

Daisy Sheff (Oakley Bull)

Daisy is depicted as a young girl navigating the complexities of a family affected by addiction, showcasing innocence amidst chaos. Her relationship with her brother and father reveals the wider impact of Nic's struggles on family dynamics. Despite her youth, she embodies the hope for healing and connection.

👧 Innocence 💞 Family Impact 🌈 Hopeful

Jasper Sheff (Christian Convery)

Jasper is portrayed as a loving younger brother, experiencing the confusion and pain of a family caught in the storm of addiction. His character underscores the collateral damage of substance abuse on sibling relationships. His innocence juxtaposes the turmoil faced by Nic and David.

👶 Sibling Love 🌪️ Turmoil 💔 Heartfelt

Vicki (Amy Ryan)

Vicki is Nic's mother, representing a voice of concern and frustration in the family's battle against addiction. Her character showcases the complex emotions of a mother trying to protect her child while also struggling with conflicting feelings towards David. Her presence brings depth to the family dynamic.

🥺 Concerned Mother 🔄 Conflict 🌹 Nurturing

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Major Themes – Beautiful Boy (2018)
Explore the central themes of Beautiful Boy (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Addiction

Addiction is the central theme of 'Beautiful Boy,' exploring the profound effects it has on individuals and families. The film illustrates the relentless cycle of hope and despair that families endure while navigating their loved one's addiction. It highlights the emotional turmoil and the persistent struggle to find help and understanding.

👨‍👦 Family Bonds

The theme of family bonds is vividly portrayed through the relationship between David and Nic, showcasing both the fragility and strength of their connection. Their love is tested time and again, revealing the complex dynamics of a family dealing with mental health and addiction. Despite the heartaches, moments of profound affection remind viewers of the enduring ties that bind them.

🌧️ Despair and Hope

Despair and hope coexist throughout the film, reflecting the stark realities of addiction. The narrative captures the highs and lows of Nic's journey, showcasing moments of hope intertwined with devastating setbacks. David's journey emphasizes the struggle between holding onto hope while facing the harsh truths of addiction.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Similar Movies to Beautiful Boy
Discover movies like Beautiful Boy that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.