Synopsis:
From filmmaker Reinaldo Marcus Green (MONSTERS AND MEN; upcoming KING RICHARD), along with the Academy Award-winning writing team behind BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (Diana Ossana & Larry McMurtry) and Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg, JOE BELL tells the intimate and emotional true story of an Oregonian father who pays tribute to his gay teenage son Jadin, embarking on a selfreflective walk across America to speak his heart to heartland citizens about the real and terrifying costs of bullying.
It’s never too late to change. As we move forward in time, learn new things, and evolve, our actions, as well as our way of thinking, must also change. It’s especially important when you’re in the wrong. Instead of arguing and doubling down, allow someone to impart new knowledge to you. We’ve all made mistakes of some kind and we will make more, it’s pretty much expected. However, the part that many have trouble with is holding themselves accountable for those mistakes. Depending on what blunder or hurtful act you perpetrated, forgiveness may take a while but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the effort to rectify your offense. Subsequently, at times, it also may require a change in your entire outlook on life. I know that it can be shocking and difficult to come to terms with an outdated point of view or way of life. Nevertheless, change, even if measured, is not only preferred but necessary. The acceptance of wrongdoing shows maturity, growth, and a willingness to be better. It’s not always easy to do but it can be done.
“I’m doing this for Jadin…”
A father’s love is examined and put to the test in Reinaldo Marcus Green’s heartfelt biographical drama, Joe Bell. The film is an emotional introspective journey anchored by strong performances. Based on a true story that takes place in 2013, Joe Bell is immensely important, deeply moving, and incredibly relevant. Beginning on Joe’s trek, the film’s storytelling weaves in and out between a not-so-distant past and the present. It dances between who Joe was and who he is becoming. It also showcases the courage of his son Jadin as he is tormented daily for being unabashedly gay in a rigidly insular small town. Moreover, the film spends a great deal of its time on the relationship between father and son. From feelings of unrequited love and rejection to acceptance and regret, it is definitely an aspect of the story parents should pay attention to. While the film relays an overarching message of anti-bullying and LGBTQ acceptance, especially of LGBTQ teenagers, it can be also be interpreted simply as supporting your children regardless of their hobbies and lifestyle.
The film gets very dark and sad and it’s heartbreakingly unfortunate that anyone feels that their mere existence is unacceptable to others. Featuring a man versus his struggle to change, this is a film where the performances outshine the screenplay. With its abrupt ending and the story unfolding in a rather simple fashion, Mark Wahlberg delivers a performance that you have never seen from him. The tone of the film puts you in the correct headspace to feel the full force of the raw emotions. The score is somber, greatly aiding in the emotional release and the cinematography and editing is well done. This is a film that is definitely worth seeing and may lead to some important conversations. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
I really enjoyed the pacing of this film and how the story is told. What popped for me was the story itself. It’s hard not to be moved by a heartfelt story of redemption that’s based on a true story.
Characters & Chemistry
This is the best Mark Wahlberg I have ever seen. He gives a charged performance as Joe Bell that’s full of emotion, sincerity, and determination. The film’s other strong performance comes from its other lead, Reid Miller. Miller as Jadin Bell is the heart and purity of the film. He also represents the unfortunate result of the hate-filled society that we still live in. If I’m not mistaken, this is Reid Miller’s silver screen debut and after this performance, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of him. The chemistry the two have with each other feels authentic and very representative of father-son relationships in the predicament.
Joe Bell releases in theaters on July 23, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Writers: Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry
Producers: Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker, Eva Maria Daniels, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Ryan W. Ahrens, Ben Renzo, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson
Executive Producers: Jill Ahrens, Benjamin Renzo, Derrick Brooks, Terry Dougas, Jean-Luc De Fanti, Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Brees, Uwe Feuersenger, Michael Finley, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Larry McMurtry, Tony Parker, Peter Pastorelli, Diana Ossana
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 33m
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
