LD Entertainment, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have jointly acquired U.S. distribution rights to the Julia Roberts addiction drama Ben Is Back.
Written and directed by Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Pieces of April), the film also stars his son, recent Oscar nominee Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea).
The move reunites Lionsgate with Roberts, who headed up the breakout hit Wonder, a film that earned $303 million worldwide.
Ben Is Back centers on Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges), a young man of 19 with substance abuse issues who unexpectedly returns to his family’s suburban home on Christmas Eve morning.
Ben’s mother, Holly (Roberts), is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean.
Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed and a mother’s undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe.
Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) and Kathryn Newton (Lady Bird) round out the cast.
The acquisition was jointly announced by Mickey Liddell of LD Entertainment, Lionsgate president of acquisitions and co-productions Jason Constantine and Roadside Attractions co-founders Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff.
Roadside Attractions will release the film on December 7, during the height of the awards-season.