The 2018 film, Beautiful Boy, impeccably captures the complicated relationship between a father and his drug-addicted son. Based on the memoirs of David and Nick Sheff, this film marks a critical point in mental health awareness. Beautiful Boy exposes an American family’s struggle with addiction and recovery. Revealing the consequences of drug abuse on victims’ personal, domestic, academic and professional roles, it demonstrates the all-encompassing reality of severe addiction. The bleak nature of the film reveals the dichotomy between an addict’s inner and outer worlds. Encouraging viewers to deeply consider addiction and mental health, the intense film is an essential for all. 

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Beautiful Boy reveals David and Nic’s experiences with Nic’s addiction to crystal meth, rehabilitation, and recovery. Not only a danger to his own life, Nic causes great distress to the lives of his family members at mercy of his addiction. Played by Steve Carrell, David approaches his son’s addiction like the journalist he is: interviewing experts, analyzing statistics, and even trying the drugs himself. Relentless paternal love drives David’s desperation in finding his son beneath the chaotic haze of addiction.

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Perhaps the most moving element of the film lies in the juxtaposition of Nic’s seemingly perfect external environment, and the destructive internal patterns of addiction. Nic’s inability to escape his inner demons leads him to destroy his relationships and curb his potential. The breathtaking cinematography emphasizes the contrast of Nic’s inner and outer worlds. His secluded, woodsy childhood home in the Bay Area is both welcoming and picturesque, decorated with sentimental paintings made by his step-mom, Karen. The house is filled with laughter and joy from his younger step-siblings, who Nic is evidently close to. However, their innocence is tarnished as Nic’s catastrophic thoughts cause him to steal their piggy-bank money to buy drugs. Although it is clear that Nic adores the twins, this scene demonstrates the clouded judgment of an addict, who hurts loved ones to feed their addiction. 

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Throughout the film, heart-warming scenes of an idyllic childhood are similarly undermined by Nic’s recklessness. His deeply caring father takes him on scenic drives, to rock concerts, and surfing, evidently seeking to build their bond. However, these moments don’t protect Nic against self-destruction. The viewer repeatedly watches Nic walk away from meaningful relationships, an education, and a career in writing. Moments of hope are continuously disrupted with disturbing scenes of Nic fleeing stability, prey to his drug addiction. 

Despite his self destructive patterns, a foundation of love carries Nic through to sobriety towards the end of the film. Eventually, Nic is able to reconnect with reality and mend the destruction he had caused, thanks to rehab and sponsor support. The optimistic end is a relief after looking down Nic’s previously dark path. The film’s significance in modern society lies in its raw portrayal of the totalizing extremities of addiction. Portraying the potency of addiction, Beautiful Boy skillfully contributes to the de-stigmatization of mental health struggles.