To judge by this trailer, Ron Howard‘s Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix, 11.24) is a highly charged soap opera about domestic family values. An argument between women, basically…not a male authority figure** in sight. Glenn Close‘s “Mawmaw” vs. Amy Adams‘ druggy, puffy-faced mom with young-and-chubby J.D. Vance (Owen Asztalos) and older, ready-to-move-on J.D. (Gabriel Basso) in the middle.
Guess who saves J.D. and encourages him to find his own life outside this ghastly downswirling culture, and to seek higher ground?
Close is obviously a Best Supporting Actress contender as she checks at least three boxes — unflattering physical transformation, yokel accent, long overdue. She’s clearly doing something that holds your attention. And she’s playing the savior. “Supporting” because I’ve been told over and over that “Mawmaw” is not a lead.
I’d like to welcome you to Bumblefuck Palace
We’ve been expecting you
You bring such joy in Bumblefuck Palace
No matter where you roam, know our love is true
** Bo Hopkins plays J.D.’s grandfather, or so I gather.