Watch Beautiful Ohio

Beautiful Ohio is a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of two brothers, William and Clive, growing up in suburban Ohio during the late 1970s. William, the older brother, is a talented writer who aspires to attend the Iowa Writers' Workshop after high school. Clive, on the other hand, is a rebel who doesn't care much for school and spends most of his time smoking pot and contemplating life's mysteries.

The film is told through the perspective of William, who looks back on his teenage years with a mix of nostalgia and regret. He remembers his parents' troubled marriage, his mother's mental illness, and the strained relationships between family members. But he also remembers the moments of grace and beauty that punctuated his adolescence, most notably his deep friendship with a girl named Sandra and his love of literature.

As William tries to navigate his way through the challenges of growing up, he is supported by a cast of compelling characters. His father, played by William Hurt, is a literature professor who is distant and aloof but still manages to offer his son some guidance. His mother, played by Rita Wilson, is a former beauty queen whose mental instability causes her to lash out at her children. And his best friend, Jerry, is a fellow writer who encourages William's talent but also struggles with his own demons.

One of the most striking things about Beautiful Ohio is its attention to detail. The filmmakers do an excellent job of recreating the look and feel of suburban Ohio in the late 1970s, from the shag carpeting to the wood-paneled walls. The soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring songs from artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

But the heart of the film is the relationship between William and Clive. Although they are very different people, they share a bond that is both powerful and fragile. As William tries to help his brother navigate the challenges of teenage life, he also struggles with his own sense of identity and belonging. Throughout the film, we see him grapple with questions about his sexuality, his creative aspirations, and his place in the world.

Overall, Beautiful Ohio is a well-crafted and deeply affecting film that explores the complexities of family, friendship, and adolescence. It is a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their way in the world, and it is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Beautiful Ohio is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.