Geek Review: Beautiful Boy

Why are people so obsessed with Timothée Chalamet? We think it’s because of his beautiful hair.

After wowing critics with his Oscar-nominated performance in gay drama, Call Me By Your Name, the 22-year-old actor is back on the big screen with his epic mane of hair.

In this biographical drama directed by Belgian filmmaker Felix Van Groeningen, Chalamet portrays a teenage meth addict who is trying to get his life back on track. Luckily for him, he is surrounded by an understanding family, all while struggling with rehabilitation sessions and the complexities of addiction. His biggest supporter is Dad (played by the ever-reliable Steve Carell), and we see the dynamics between father and son unfold in this melancholic film.

Like many other movies these days, this one is also inspired by a true story. The screenplay written by Van Groeningen and Luke Davies is based on Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff, and Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff. The less-than-subtle titles should already be an indication of what the father and son went through in real life.

The casting choices of the two protagonists are perfect. Chalamet once again puts his angel-like face to good use in a role that many aspiring young actors would yearn to play. Dressed in an oversized T-shirt, a simple sweater and a pair of baggy jeans, we see Chamalet’s Nic Sheff living his life aimlessly, attempting to pick himself up and resisting temptations.

Then there is that mop of hair. Regardless of whether the scene involves Chamalet cycling down a slope, drenching himself under a shower or speaking at a support group meeting, that tuft of curly hair seems to have a life of its own and can emote as much as the boyish actor.

Carell, on the other hand, delivers a restrained performance that may move any parent to tears. While we are familiar with the funnyman’s work in comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, as well as voice acting in animated features like Despicable Me 3, the actor has been successfully been showing his range in serious dramas like Foxcatcher and Last Flag Flying.

The 56-year-old actor’s portrayal of a father who tirelessly looks for ways to reach out to his son reminds us how great parental love is. His David Sheff is a man of few words, and the quieter scenes with him staring into space are heartbreaking to watch. We are expecting Carell and Chamalet to both receive countless acting nominations during the awards season.

Supporting female characters played by Maura Tierney and Amy Ryan (Carell’s on-screen sweetheart in The Office) are a great example of how behind every man, there is a strong lady holding the fort.

The 112-minute film may not go down too well with impatient viewers. Nothing spectacularly dramatic happens throughout the movie, and the constant flashbacks may not work for audiences who prefer linear storytelling methods.

But we urge you to take a quiet moment to pause, reflect and appreciate the film. You will realise that although addiction takes a toll on individuals and their families, there is still much beauty in life. Because all you need is love.