Hillbilly Elegy (2020) is a drama based on J.D. Vance’s memoir, directed by Ron Howard. The film follows J.D. (Gabriel Basso), a Yale law student, who is drawn back to his troubled Appalachian hometown after a family crisis. Through flashbacks, we see his difficult childhood, shaped by his strong-willed grandmother, Mamaw (Glenn Close), and his unstable, drug-addicted mother, Bev (Amy Adams). Struggling between his aspirations and deep family ties, J.D. confronts generational trauma and his own identity. The film explores themes of poverty, addiction, and resilience, portraying the complexities of the American working class. Though met with mixed reviews, the performances, especially by Close and Adams, received critical acclaim.
Hillbilly Elegy
