Netflix recently released the film adaptation on J.D. Vance’s memoir HIllbilly Elegy, and though it has received varying reviews, we loved the touching, inspiring, and personal story that gave us a glimpse into a part of the world that we don’t always get to see.

Hillbilly Elegy tells the story of J.D. (played by Gabriel Basso), a Yale graduate who grew up in a poor Appalachian family struggling with poverty and drug addiction, who was able to do the seemingly impossible and make his way out of the cycle that many others who grew up in his situation can’t escape.

Vance’s mother (Amy Adams) struggles with drug abuse and mental illness for most of her life, especially after the death of her father. Her struggles lead her to lose her job and neglect her children. J.D., who was once a good student, begins hanging out with other troubled youth, doing drugs, and getting into legal trouble. Unable to afford what he needsd for school, he begins flunking. 

When his grandmother (Glenn Close) sees that he's on the path to be just like his mother, she takes him in, despite being sick and unable to afford caring for both. Seeing his grandmother struggle to help him succeed leads him to reevaluate his choices.

One of the biggest gripes many critics had with the film was the way it didn’t fully live up to its written counterpart, and while we agree there was much we didn’t get to see in the film, there is only so much you can fit into 2 hours (though if Netflix decided to turn this into one of their limited series, we would NOT object). We feel that the film accurately portrayed an important part of the book, showing what life is like for people in poverty and drug-ridden areas of the U.S., something we do not always see in film. 

This movie gives hope to those who are struggling in similar situations as Vance, and reminds you that it is possible -- even if it is only one person who truly believes in you, even if that one person is you, it is possible.

Not only did the film have a meaningful message behind it and highlight one of the most important issues (if not THE most important issue) in the memoir, it was visually beautiful and had some amazing characters (is it possible to hate anything Amy Adams is in?). Overall, the film is worth the watch to learn about the struggles in America we don’t always see, to see yourself portrayed and get a glimpse of hope that there is a better future out there, or just to hear an amazing, inspiring story told by a talented, Oscar-caliber cast and director (Ron Howard). And if you find the time, Vance’s memoir is definitely worth the read too if you want to make up your own mind!