Background: I remember hearing buzz about Beautiful Boy while it was on the film festival circuit, but I didn’t think too much about it, just that I’d probably add it to my (insanely long) queue if it ever showed up on Netflix streaming. Then it appeared in one of my Amazon Vine newsletters, and since I didn’t have offers for any amazing electronics, I chose it. (That was a joke, by the way. Some "Viners" get offered insanely expensive products, but most of us get newsletters stuffed with books and food. Not that I'm complaining, though—I've gotten some great stuff, including a portable clothes dryer, a baking stone, a great camera ... and lots of food and feminine hygiene products!)
Plot: Kate and Bill are on the verge of separation when their son Sammy (Veronica Mars’s Kyle Gallner) opens fire on his college campus, killing 17 others and himself. As they struggle with their grief and guilt, they realize they need to rely on each other if they want to survive.
Reaction: Bello and Sheen are fabulous in their roles as parents of a mass murderer. This film is worth watching for their performances alone, though the supporting actors were all excellent, as well. (Loved Alan Tudyk of Firefly and Dollhouse as Kate’s brother, and Gallner—who plays "troubled" very well—did a great job with his limited scenes.) One scene in particular stood out to me. They were staying in a motel because reporters were camped out at their home, and Bill convinced Kate to go out for dinner. As she sat at the table waiting for Bill to return with their menus, her strong exterior melted, and she dissolved into sobs. Bello totally sold the scene, which could have come off as overdramatic. Instead, it was the most touching scene of the film. This movie is quiet and understated with an underlying desperation. It’s a well-made look into the lives of people we often don’t consider—the parents of killers.
While I enjoyed the movie, there is a pretty intense sex scene halfway through the film. As I've determined not to own movies with that kind of content, I’ll be getting rid of it.
Verdict: Throw away (after 6 months, which is how long I’m contractually obligated to keep Vine products.)
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