In his English-language debut, Felix van Groeningen (The Misfortunates, The Broken Circle Breakdown) confirms his reputation for portraying complex family relationships. In Beautiful Boy, the Belgian director tells the story of journalist David Sheff (Steve Carell) and his drug-addicted son, Nic (Timothée Chalamet). David, who was convinced for years that he had an excellent relationship with his son, does everything to fix the mistakes of the past to help Nic scrape himself up off the bottom. As usual, van Groeningen does not eschew intense emotions and provokes audiences to feel without ever crossing the line into kitsch. The actors operate wonderfully in the director’s convention and Timothé Chalamet’s (Call Me by Your Name, Lady Bird) performance is especially moving, confirming why he has become one of the most sought-after young talents; he received a Golden Globe nomination for his efforts.
Chicago IFF 2018 - Best Feature
Born in 1977, Felix van Groeningen is a Belgian film director and screenwriter. He grew up in a very liberal hippie family and would go on to use these experiences in his films. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. After completing his studies, he began to direct shorts and theater, finally making his feature-length debut in 2004 with Steve + Sky. Beautiful Boy is his English-language debut.
2004 Steve + Sky
2007 Dagen zonder lief / With Friends Like These
2009 Boso, ale na rowerze / De helaasheid der dingen / The Misfortunes
2012 W kręgu miłości / The Broken Circle Breakdown
2016 Belgica
2018 Mój piękny syn / Beautiful Boy