Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges Reconnect in Moving Ben Is Back Teaser Trailer

Julia Roberts reconnects with her estranged son played by Lucas Hedges in the new teaser for Ben Is Back, written and directed by Hedges’ real-life father Peter Hedges. While Lucas Hedges has made a name for himself in his own right since debuting in his father’s 2007 film Dan in Real Life, including an Oscar nomination for Manchester by the Sea, and roles in Lady Bird and Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri, the Ben Is Back teaser makes it clear that the father-son duo’s cinematic reunion is sure to bring the tears.

Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges) is a troubled 19-year-old suffering from drug addiction who unexpectedly returns to his family home on the morning of Christmas Eve. Ben’s mother, Holly (Roberts), is glad to have him back but concerned about his ability to stay clean. Ben Is Back follows the two over the next 24 hours, as Ben’s return tests his mother’s undying love and ability to keep him safe. Ben Is Back also stars Courtney B. Vance (The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) and Hedges’ fellow Lady Bird star Kathryn Newton.

Hedges has a busy awards season slate ahead of him this year, with roles in contenders including Ben Is Back, the Jonah Hill-directed Mid90s and Joel Edgerton’s gay conversion drama Boy Erased.

Ben Is Back will make its world premiere as a Special Presentation title at the Toronto International Film Festival before its release in select theaters on Dec. 7. With its strong pedigree and real-life family connection, Ben Is Back is one worth following this awards season.

Watch the teaser below.