This movie is based upon an autobiography written by the teenager in the story, Toby (Leonardo DiCaprio), about his adolescence in rural Washington State. After going through a divorce, his mother (played by Ellen Barkin) marries Dwight (Robert De Niro) who alternates between being charming and charismatic and angry and abusive. Toby tries to “be good” but finds it impossible to tolerate Dwight, to the point where he desperately wants to do anything he can to grow up and leave town. The film contains excellent depictions of abusive relationships, teenage angst and despair, and the stifling effect of feeling trapped in life.
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