Movie Review: Being Flynn (2012)

"Being Flynn" is based on the memoir of the real Nick Flynn (played by Paul Dano) and tells the story of Nick's struggle to find himself while also struggling with his relationship with long absentee father Johnathon (Rober De Niro).  Nick wants to be a writer but finds himself drifting through jobs and relationships until new friend/love interest Denise (Olivia Thirlby) gets him a job working at a local homeless shelter.  A sudden phone call from Nick's long-lost father Jonathon sets into motion a collision of sorts where Nick finds himself working at the homeless shelter and his father is a "guest."  The reality of Jonathon's problems, including his mental stability and alcohol, along with Nick's memories of Jonathon deserting him as a child and his mother (Julianne Moore) creates turmoil.  As Jonathon's situation deteriorates, Nick's does as well.  Nick has to find a way to realize his dreams and reconcile his troubled relationship with his father.

While obviously this film has some darkness (homelessness, addiction, and mental illness), this film is just so well-done and well-acted that I have to recommend it.  I was blown away by De Niro's portrayal of Jonathon.  I felt sympathy for the character and dispised him all at the same time.  I think this adds to the film because the audience sees Jonathon as Nick does - complicated and not one-dimensional.  I thought Dano held his own in the film and Moore is great as Nick's suffering single mother.  Thirlby is solid in her small role as well.  I feel like the film was well-written and staged as well moving us through a complicated story that is tough and gritty at times. 

Not always easy to watch due to subject matter but the acting and storyline are worth it - A-.