Ben Is Back (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Ben Is Back (2018) is a heartbreaking and ambiguous conclusion to the story of Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges), a recovering drug addict who returns home for Christmas, only to relapse and become entangled in a dangerous cycle of addiction and crime. After a series of escalating events-including the theft of his family's possessions to pay off dealers - Ben's mother, Holly (Julia Roberts), makes the agonizing decision to drive him back to rehab, knowing he may not survive his addiction. The film closes with Ben running away from the car, leaving his fate uncertain but heavily implying that his struggle is far from over. The ending underscores the devastating toll of addiction on families and the painful reality that love alone cannot always save someone from self-destruction.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final act of Ben Is Back is a harrowing descent into the consequences of Ben's relapse. After a tense Christmas Eve where Ben's family tries to keep him safe, he steals their valuables to repay a drug dealer, leading to a violent confrontation. Holly, desperate to protect her son, takes him to a rehab facility, but the journey is fraught with emotional turmoil. In a moment of raw vulnerability, Ben confesses that he doesn't believe he can stay clean, revealing the depth of his hopelessness. The film's climax occurs when Ben, unable to face rehab again, bolts from the car into the snowy night, leaving Holly screaming after him. This ambiguous ending forces viewers to grapple with the unresolved nature of addiction-whether Ben will survive, succumb to his demons, or find a way back.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. Does Ben survive after running away?
- Possibility 1: He overdoses or is killed by dealers, reflecting the tragic reality of many addicts.
- Possibility 2: He eventually hits rock bottom and chooses rehab, suggesting a glimmer of hope.
- Possibility 3: He becomes homeless, trapped in a cycle of addiction with no clear resolution.
Will Holly ever see Ben again?
- Possibility 1: She spends years searching, mirroring the relentless hope of parents in similar situations.
- Possibility 2: Ben resurfaces later, either recovered or deeper in addiction, leaving the door open for reconciliation or further heartbreak.
What happens to the rest of the family?
- Possibility 1: They are permanently scarred by Ben's actions, with siblings resenting Holly's enabling behavior.
- Possibility 2: The family learns to set boundaries, focusing on healing without Ben.
Themes and Symbolism:
The film's ending reinforces its central themes: the limits of parental love, the cyclical nature of addiction, and the crushing weight of guilt. Holly's decision to drive Ben to rehab-only for him to flee-symbolizes the paradox of trying to "save" someone who may not want to be saved. The snowy landscape mirrors the emotional coldness of Ben's reality, where warmth and safety are fleeting. The absence of closure is intentional, forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort of unanswered questions, much like families of addicts must do in real life.
Personal Opinion:
Ben Is Back is a gut-wrenching portrayal of addiction that avoids easy answers. The ending is devastating but authentic, refusing to sugarcoat the reality of relapse and its ripple effects. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges deliver powerhouse performances, making Holly's desperation and Ben's self-loathing palpable. While some might crave a clearer resolution, the ambiguity is the film's strength-it mirrors the unresolved pain of countless families dealing with addiction. I found it emotionally exhausting but necessary, a reminder of the complexities of love and the harsh truth that sometimes, even the most devoted efforts aren't enough. The film's refusal to offer false hope is its most brutal and honest choice.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of Ben Is Back lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its emotional impact. By leaving Ben's fate uncertain, the film highlights the painful reality that addiction stories rarely have tidy endings. It's a movie that demands reflection on how society treats addiction, the sacrifices of caregivers, and the thin line between support and enabling. Whether you see the ending as hopeless or brutally realistic likely depends on your own experiences, but one thing is certain: it's a film that doesn't let you look away.