Ben Is Back

Ben Is Back

Year: 2018

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Hedges

Echo Score: 70

Budget: $13M

Drama

On Christmas Eve, 19-year-old Ben Burns returns home unannounced, disrupting the carefully constructed peace of his family. His mother, Holly, grapples with a mix of joy and apprehension as she questions his sobriety and the reasons behind his sudden reappearance. Over a tense and emotional 24 hours, long-buried secrets surface, forcing the family to confront difficult truths and examine the strength of their relationships. The unexpected visit tests the boundaries of forgiveness and the meaning of unconditional love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ben Is Back 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 – Ben Is Back (2018)

Trace every key event in Ben Is Back (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Christmas Eve Reunion

Holly Burns attends a church service on Christmas Eve, an evening filled with hope and festivity. She is unexpectedly reunited with her son, Ben, who has just completed a rehab program and is seeking comfort in the familiar environment of home.

Christmas Eve Church
2

Mall Encounter

As part of their healing process, Holly agrees to take Ben to the mall. The outing takes a dark turn when they unexpectedly meet a former doctor connected to Ben's struggles, bringing up painful memories and leading to a confrontation that leaves Holly frustrated and feeling powerless.

Mall
3

Reconnecting with Spencer

During their time together, Ben reconnects with his childhood friend Spencer, who has succumbed to similar addictive behaviors. This reunion raises concerns for Holly, as she fears the negative influence Spencer may have on Ben's sobriety.

4

Support Group Sharing

At a support group meeting, Ben shares his traumatic near-overdose experience, recounting the heroics of his mother and their family dog, Ponce, who played a crucial role in saving him. This moment becomes a cathartic turning point for Ben, yet it is marred by hidden troubles.

5

Discovery of Drugs

Holly finds hidden drugs in Ben's belongings, which he attributes to a mysterious girl from the support group. This discovery triggers Holly's fears about his stability and threatens to unravel the fragile bond they are trying to rebuild.

Home
6

Cemetery Confrontation

Holly confronts Ben at a cemetery, demanding to know what legacy he intends to leave behind. Their intense discussion highlights Ben's internal struggles and the pressures he faces, as Holly yearns for him to find a path to recovery.

Cemetery
7

Lost Family Dog

Returning from church, Holly and Ben are devastated to discover that Ponce is missing, and their home has been broken into. This loss creates a sense of urgency, pushing Ben to embark on a desperate quest to find his beloved dog.

Home
8

The Weight of Guilt

As darkness envelops them, Ben shares a painful secret with Holly – he feels guilty for the death of a friend, Maggie. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to their relationship, exposing the burdens Ben carries as he attempts to navigate through his addiction.

9

Confrontation with Clayton

Ben confronts Clayton, a notorious drug dealer, to negotiate for the return of Ponce. The stakes are high, and Ben is faced with an alarming ultimatum: in order to get his dog back, he must perform a drug run for Clayton.

10

Holly's Pursuit

Determined to rescue Ben and retrieve Ponce, Holly reaches out to Maggie’s mother for help. She receives a med kit capable of reviving overdose victims and the keys to Maggie's car, which fuels her determination to track down Ben.

11

Ben's Dangerous Task

While fulfilling a dangerous assignment, Ben successfully returns with Ponce but pays a steep price for it. Clayton hands him a stash of narcotics, pulling Ben further into the depths of addiction and jeopardizing everything he has fought for.

12

Holly's Rising Panic

Holly's anxiety escalates as she frantically searches for Ben, culminating in a desperate visit to a local police station for assistance. As despair begins to set in, she receives news that could lead her to Ponce, sparking a glimmer of hope.

Police Station
13

A Life in Peril

After following a lead, Holly reaches an abandoned barn only to find Ben lying unconscious from an overdose. The sight is heart-wrenching and showcases the dire consequences of addiction, leaving Holly terrified and desperate for her son's safety.

Abandoned Barn
14

A Mother's Plea

In a race against time, Holly employs the techniques from the med kit, pleading with Ben to come back to her. Her tears flow as she fights for his life, showcasing a mother's unwavering love and determination in the face of despair.

15

A Fragile Return

As the moments stretch out painfully, Ben's chest begins to rise and fall once again, signaling a fragile return to life. This heart-wrenching moment is both a relief and a reminder of the ongoing battle against addiction that lies ahead for both him and Holly.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 16:31

Unlock the Full Story of Ben Is Back

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ben Is Back in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ben Is Back is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ben Is Back Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ben Is Back, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ben Is Back Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ben Is Back

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ben Is Back. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ben Is Back

Ben Is Back Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ben Is Back that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Ben Is Back Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ben Is Back

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ben Is Back: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ben Is Back

Similar Movies to Ben Is Back

Discover movies like Ben Is Back 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.