The very core of this film is the exploration of the connection between a boy and his father, introducing the highs and (extreme) lows of their relationship. Written by and based on Shia LaBeouf’s childhood, we see a young boy living in Los Angeles trying to break into Hollywood with the help of his father. To Otis his father is his chaperone, and to James he is a mentor, mirroring their relationship. In the opening sequence, there is a shot of an older Otis, being flung back in an action film, action match cutting to him as a younger boy getting flung back in one of his first breaks in television. The metaphor of this be that they are both being pulled back by their fathers, as there is a cycle in their family relationships. As we see the older Otis, played brilliantly by Lucas Hedges, start spiralling with addiction and alcoholism until he is finally admitted into rehab. Where as part of his therapy he is told to write down all of his bad memories, based on LaBeouf’s true experiences during his court ordered rehab. Most of which included his father and the extreme pressure he put on him as a young boy because of the nature of their working relationship. There are so many poignant scenes that show the complexity of this bond that they have, but I think the most enlightening one must be when his father comes home from being out all night and they are sat in the bathroom finally having an honest, calm conversation. This scene in particular shows the love and care they have for each other while also showing the equality in their relationship from such a young age. As there is one moment in which James pulls out a cigarette, and Otis, mirroring him, runs to get one of his, as they sit there smoking together. Showing the admiration Otis has for his father, and showing the classic bond a father and son have, in the shape of a very problematic relationship. I think this film is so beautiful and heart-breaking all in one, and the casting is just perfect, and for Shia LaBeouf’s first written script, I can’t wait to see more.