Netflix's 'Hillbilly Elegy': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about the multi-generational drama

An urgent phone call pulls a Yale law student back to his Ohio hometown where he reflects on three generations of family history and his own future
UPDATED OCT 26, 2020
(Netflix)
(Netflix)

'Hillbilly Elegy', based on the New York Times Bestseller of the same name, is set to be released on Netflix. The book is authored by JD Vance. The film is director Ron Howard's Netflix debut and is what the streaming giant calls a "powerful personal memoir that offers a window into one family’s personal journey of survival and triumph". It chronicles the life of JD Vance (Gabriel Basso) who comes back home to southern Ohio and has to navigate life with his Appalachian family. Here is what you need to know about the film.

Release date

'Hillbilly Elegy' releases on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

Plot

Netflix's synopsis reads, "JD Vance (Gabriel Basso), a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale law student, is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family crisis forces him to return to the home he’s tried to forget. JD must navigate the complex dynamics of his Appalachian family, including his volatile relationship with his mother Bev (Amy Adams), who’s struggling with addiction. Fueled by memories of his grandmother Mamaw (Glenn Close), the resilient and whip-smart woman who raised him, JD comes to embrace his family’s indelible imprint on his own personal journey."

Cast

Gabriel Basso as JD Vance

Actor Gabriel Basso attends a screening of Sundance Channel's 'The Red Road' at The Bronson Caves at Griffith Park on February 24, 2014, in Los Angeles, California (Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Basso is known for his roles as Martin in 'Super 8' (2011), Patrick in 'The Kings of Summer' (2013), Jimmy Petersen in 'American Wrestler: The Wizard' (2016) and Gooch in 'Barely LethaL' (2015). His other works include the 2009 TV Series 'Ghost Town', 'The Big C' (2010-2013), 'The Read Road' (2014) and 'The Whole Truth' (2016).

Amy Adams as Bev

Actor Amy Adams attends the 2017 LACMA Art + Film Gala Honoring Mark Bradford And George Lucas at LACMA on November 4, 2017, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Adams is an award winning actress known for her roles as Lupise Banks in 'Arrival' (2016), Giselle in 'Enchanted' (2007), Sydney Prosser in 'American Hustle' (2013) and Sister James in 'Doubt' (2008). Her more recent works include 'Justice League' (2017), 'Sharp Objects' (2018) and 'Vice' (2018). The actress has another completed release titled 'The Woman in the Window', and a title in post-production titled 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' (2021). Futher, she has three other releases in pre-prouction, titled 'Kings of America', 'Disenchanted' and 'Dear Evan Hansen'.

The rest of the cast includes Glenn Close as Mamaw, Haley Bennett as Lindsay, Freida Pinto as Usha, Bo Hopkins as Papaw, Owen Asztalos as Young JD Vance, Dylan Gage as Kameron, David Atkinson as Ray and many more.

Creators

The film is directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard and produced by Academy Award winner Brian Grazer. The screenplay is written by Vanessa Taylor.

Trailer

Netflix's synopsis reads, "An urgent phone call pulls a Yale Law student back to his Ohio hometown, where he reflects on three generations of family history and his own future."



 

Where to watch

Catch 'Hillbilly Elegy' on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, on Netflix.

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