Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy, a 2020 American drama film based on J.D. Vance's memoir of the same name, takes audiences on a poignant journey through the author's complex family dynamics and their struggles amidst America's Appalachian heartland. The film begins with JD (played by Owen Asztalos as a child and by Jackson A. Dunn in scenes of JD as a young boy), a young boy growing up in a rural Ohio community. His mother, Bev (played by Kathy Bates), works tirelessly as a nurse, but their home life is marked by instability and poverty. JD's grandmother, Mamaw (played by Geraldine Singer), often takes care of him, filling his life with a strong sense of family values and love. Her guidance, despite her own share of personal struggles, has a profound impact on JD. Mamaw, having grown up in the harsh environment of Appalachia, has had her fair share of hardships; but through it all, her unwavering commitment to her family, particularly her grandson, is steadfast. However, JD's mother struggles with addiction and her own personal demons, often relying on her younger brother, Jimmy (played by Dylan Harper Flesher as a child and by Owen Asztalos in scenes as a young adult), to help care for JD. Mamaw steps in whenever she can, but it becomes increasingly challenging to provide adequate care to her grandson. As JD grows older, he begins to realize that his family's struggles are part of a long history of poverty, substance abuse, and social inequality that plagues their community. The family's situation is also complicated by a long-standing estrangement between JD's mother, Bev, and her sister, Lynn (played by Millicent Simmonds). The story then shifts to JD's life at Yale Law School, where he becomes increasingly disengaged from his roots. His mother has recently died from lung cancer, and JD feels the weight of her loss intensely. Following a phone call from his cousin, Danny, JD returns home to Kentucky for his mother's funeral. While in Kentucky, JD reflects on his difficult relationship with his mother and his complicated feelings of love and resentment. As he looks back on his family's history, JD realizes that his mother and Mamaw are products of the same Appalachian culture that has been passed down through generations. Their struggles, JD begins to understand, are deeply intertwined with the cultural and economic forces that have shaped their lives. One evening, JD visits Mamaw, and she shares with him the family's history, from her parents and grandparents moving to Kentucky from Tennessee and other Southern states. Through Mamaw's stories, JD gains insight into the cyclical patterns that have shaped his family's trajectory. As JD prepares to leave Kentucky, he visits his cousin, Danny, who is now a recovering addict. Danny's story serves as a powerful reminder of the long path of struggle that JD's family has faced, and the difficulty of overcoming poverty and addiction. JD begins to appreciate the complexities of his family's situation, acknowledging that his life at Yale Law School is a privileged one. With Mamaw's guidance still etched in his mind, JD makes a decision about his future. He chooses to take on a more active role in understanding his family's past and its connection to the cultural context in which they live. Rather than trying to escape or overcome his roots, JD decides to immerse himself in the complexities of his family's history, using that understanding to forge a more authentic and purpose-driven path forward. The film concludes with JD reflecting on his decision to return to Kentucky and be more involved in his family's life. He realizes that he can learn from his family's struggles and find a sense of purpose by reconnecting with his roots. By embracing his complexities, JD embarks on a journey to create a more meaningful and authentic life, one that honors both his Appalachian heritage and his aspirations at Yale Law School.