When J.D. Vance’s memoir was published, it was hotly debated; critics thought he was generalizing too much about the white working class, using his personal experiences of one particular troubled family with Appalachian roots. The film adaptation largely stays away from politics and focuses on Vance’s story, growing up with a mother who became increasingly hooked on drugs, but eventually making his way to Yale. Amy Adams and Glenn Close’s performances edged near to parody, some said, but they are arresting – and the story engaging enough.

2020-U.S. 116 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Ron Howard. Book: J.D. Vance. Music: Hans Zimmer, David Fleming. Cast: Amy Adams (Bev Vance), Glenn Close (Mamaw Vance), Gabriel Basso (J.D. Vance), Haley Bennett, Owen Asztalos, Freida Pinto.

Trivia: Co-produced by Howard; co-executive produced by Vance. 

IMDb