James R | On 14, Oct 2020

Amy Adams and Glenn Close star in Hillbilly Elegy, Ron Howard’s new film for Netflix.

Based on the novel by JD Vance, it follows Vance, a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale Law student, who 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. J.D. 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, J.D. comes to realize that to achieve his dreams, he must embrace his roots.

By following three generations through their unique struggles, the film explores the highs and lows that define hillbilly culture. Vanessa Taylor (The Shape of Water) adapted the screenplay, and Howard directed. You can see the end result on 24th November, when it premieres on Netflix worldwide.

Here’s the trailer:

 

Hillbilly Elegy is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.

 

Glenn Close joins Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy

12th April 2019

Glenn Close has joined the cast of Hillbilly Elegy, Ron Howard’s new Netflix film.

The seven-time Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner is enjoying something of a career surge, after her acclaimed turn in The Wife. She joins previously announced six-time Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Amy Adams.

Based on the novel by J.D. Vance, it follows Vance, a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale Law student, who 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. J.D. 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, J.D. comes to realize that to achieve his dreams, he must embrace his roots.

By following three colorful generations through their unique struggles, the powerful personal memoir explores the highs and lows that define hillbilly culture.

Vanessa Taylor (The Shape of Water) will adapt the screenplay, with Howard, Brian Grazer and Karen Lunder producing for Imagine Entertainment, alongside exec producers Julie Oh and Vance.

Close’s casting reunited her with Howard, who previously directed her in the The Paper as well in a PSA for Bring Change To Mind, Close’s nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health.

 

Amy Adams to star in Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy

6th April 2019

Amy Adams will star in Ron Howard’s Netflix drama, Hillbilly Elegy.

Howard’s Imagine Entertainment is producing the film, which is based on J.D. Vance’s bestselling memoir, which looks at what it was like growing up in America’s Rust Belt, examining the white underclass and race in society, as well as drug addiction and other economic challenges.

It follows three generations of an Appalachian family as told by its youngest member, a Yale Law student forced to return to his hometown.

The Shape of Water co-writer Vanessa Taylor is penning the script. Howard, meanwhile, will direct the film and also produce alongside Brian Grazer, Karent Lunder and EP Julie Oh.

Now, they’ve got an equally big name to be on screen, with six-time Oscar nominee Adams joining the project. The casting marks the first streaming project for both Adams and Howard, as Netflix continues to win over big talent for its growing movie arm.

 

Netflix nabs Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy for $45M

26th January 2019

Netflix has splashed a not inconsiderable $45 million on its latest original film – an adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy by none other than Ron Howard.

The streaming giant is currently establishing itself as a major player in the movie industry, not only leading the Oscars race this year with 15 Academy Award nominations (including 10 for Roma, tied with The Favourite) but also becoming a member of the MPAA to boot. Now, it’s reminding other studios just how happy it is to splash cash, winning an auction held by CAA for Howard’s movie.

Howard’s Imagine Entertainment is producing the film, which is based on J.D. Vance’s bestselling memoir, which looks at what it was like growing up in America’s Rust Belt, examining the white underclass and race in society, as well as drug addiction and other economic challenges.

Imagine acquired the back rights back in 2017 in a similarly competitive bidding war, with The Shape of Water co-writer Vanessa Taylor already on board to pen the script. Howard, meanwhile, will direct the film and also produce alongside Brian Grazer, Karent Lunder and EP Julie Oh.

Netflix is fully financing the project, including production, fees and other costs, with Deadline also reporting that there is a theatrical component too, to release the movie in cinemas.

There is no confirmation yet on the cast for the film, but with all that talent the full clout of Netflix’s wallet behind it, Hillbilly Elegy cements the streaming giant’s powerful position in a market where funding for mid-budget, independent projects has become scarce.

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