In this film, Peter Hedges directs his son, Lucas Hedges, who plays Ben, a drug addicted teenage boy who shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve. I like this film; it kept me interested from beginning till the end. Julia Roberts who plays the mom of Ben is fabulous; you could see her emotions in her facial expressions, especially on close-ups.

Lucas Hedges has just appeared in a recent film, Boy Erased, also directed by his father. Other than Roberts, all the other cast members acted well, including the children and other supporting actors.

Even in her 50s, she may no longer be the "pretty woman", but she still has the charisma after all these years, a sign that talent never dies.

© 2018 Ed Farolan