Hillbilly Elegy is based on a memoir of the same name by J.D. Vance. The film follows Vance, a Yale Law student, as he always feels a sense of obligation towards his hometown. Though he has left his Appalachian roots behind, he is forced to return when his mother, Bev, overdoses on heroin.
Vance's family is dysfunctional, and he has to deal with the aftermath of his mother's addiction, his sister's pregnancy, and his grandmother's failing health. Throughout the film, Vance reflects on the lessons he has learned from his family, including his tough love from his grandmother, Mamaw, and his mother's struggles with addiction.
The film primarily functions as a coming-of-age story for Vance, tracing his journey from his childhood to his teen years and onto adulthood. It highlights the challenges faced by Vance and his family in Ohio's rust belt and the cultural divide between the urban North East and the rural South.
Hillbilly Elegy features an all-star cast, including Glenn Close as Mamaw and Amy Adams as Bev. Adam's portrayal of Bev is particularly impressive as she delves into the character's frustration and desperation.
Ultimately, the film serves as both a tribute and criticism of Vance's home state and its culture. It highlights the strength and resilience of the people from his hometown while also showing how pervasive economic insecurity and addiction can be.