Joe Bell Movie Review, An Emotional Drama, Mark Wahlberg

Movie Review 

On February 29, 2013, 15-year-old Jadin Bell took his own life after being brutally bullied for being gay. It's an all-too-familiar story, as over the years many LGBTQ youth have killed themselves after being subjected to homophobic physical and verbal attacks. In many cases, their schools failed to protect them from the bullying they endured, and at least according to the film, this was the case for Jadin, who did not get the help he needed when he was threatened by some of his classmates. 

 Unfortunately, we live in a society where homophobia is still rampant. Parents refuse to accept their children's sexuality, schools do not take bullying seriously, and narrow-minded groups try to use conversion therapy to 'fix' gay people. Thankfully, some have more tolerance and understanding, but life is still not easy for those who claim to be gay or transgender.

 

Homophobia 

 Joe Bell is a film that may resonate with you if you've been affected by homophobia or the suicide of a loved one. It tells the story of Jadi's grieving father, Joe, who decides to travel across the United States to spread awareness about teen bullying to any school or community group that will give him a platform to share his experiences.

  Her story is an inspiring one because instead of silencing her grief, she was moved, turning a tragic event into something that could potentially save the lives of others. I had never heard of Joe or Jadin before watching this movie, but after watching it, I'm glad I got to experience their story despite the crushing nausea I felt during and after it.

 

Mark Wahlberg 

 As played by Mark Wahlberg, the character of Joe is interesting. He is not particularly likable, at least initially, in part because of his gruff personality and hot temper. But it's clear that he loves Jadi and loves her with compassion, not treating his son like a second-class citizen because of his gender.

  As Joe goes on his personal crusade to New York, he is occasionally joined by the imaginary persona Jadin. I don't know if this is a reflection of what Joe is going through in real life during his travels, or if Jadi's ghostly presence is just a plot device for the movie, but either way, the back and forth between the two gives us something. Joe sometimes had to get his message across effectively.

  As he progresses, he manages to gain courage in what he has to say, and this is highlighted by the imagined Jadin smiling at his father's efforts to be more open about himself and his son's experiences.

  Wahlberg, Joe and relative newcomer Reid Miller are excellent as Jadin, giving emotionally raw performances that manage to draw us into the pain Jadin is going through. 

Film Focus 

 Although the film sometimes focuses on other members of the family and the people Joe meets on his travels, it always brings us back to the father-son relationship, whether it's in the time before Jadi's death or through roadside conversations. Joe goes on a road trip with his dead son.

  The film is directed in a low-key style by Reinaldo Marcus Green, director of the last King Richard, and avoids sentimentality and audience manipulation. Without too much emotional melodrama, Jadin and Joe manage to bring tears by telling their story, but sometimes skip scenes that could have made the film stronger.

  We never get to see Joe's reaction to the news that his son has died, for example, and we rarely hear Joe's many expressions as he shares his experiences with others. It's as if the director and screenwriters have purposefully avoided certain moments so as not to strain our hearts too much, perhaps to avoid the criticism of harsh film reviewers.

  However, this is a film that needs a few more scenes of emotional anguish to fully show the ramifications of Jadi's death and the impact it has on those around her. That's not to say there aren't scenes of high emotion—the scene where Jadi's mother (Jonnie Britton) learns her son is dead is devastating—but for the most part the film is surprisingly muted when other directors might have been. paid more attention to the heartaches of those who participated in the tragedy.

Film Message 

Again, this is not necessarily a criticism, but rather an observation from someone who has experienced the devastating effects of suicide and the devastating effects of violence in the LGBTQ community. Also, the film manages to get its message across without overloading the emotional card for the most part, a bit like Joe himself for that matter, so he can't be blamed too much.

 

Good Film 

 This is a good movie that needs to be seen by as many people as possible. After a delayed release, it's available in the UK, at least, as Amazon Prime has included it in its streaming service. I hope her message of tolerance resonates with those who bully or judge others for being "different," and I hope it encourages parents of LGBTQ children to be more accepting and supportive.

  For those who are currently struggling with life as a gay or transgender person, I hope the film will encourage them to talk about the issues they may be experiencing at school or elsewhere. If we can all be more open and loving towards each other, there will be fewer teenage suicides this year or another.

 

Recommend 

 I recommend the film then, even if it lacks emotional power. Jadin Bell's story deserves to be told, as do the stories of young people sharing/sharing their experiences. It's a sad movie to be sure, and there are shocks beyond Jadi's death. But it's also a hopeful film that recognizes the efforts of Joe and people like him to spread awareness about a very real problem that still affects many young people today. Watch it, take action, and then do something, not nothing, to care for the people in your life who might be hurting right now.