Joe Bell (2021)
Running Time: 1hr 34mins
Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) is consumed with grief and regret. The only way he thinks he can find the solace he so desperately needs, is by walking from his home in La Grande, Oregon to New York City, just under 4,000 miles, sharing his message of hope.
Joe’s son, Jadin (Reid Miller), was struggling with extreme bullying in his small town high school where he stood out amongst his peers. He was subjected to name-calling, harassment both in-person and online, and even physical assault. The Bell’s tried to have the situation rectified by the school administration, but their concerns and complaints were brushed off. When Jadin came out to his family, they were mostly supportive. Joe however, wondered what he had done wrong to make his son gay. Joe worried about what people in the community would think and was more worried about their judgments than his own son’s feelings.
Jadin was struggling and no one seemed to notice the deep impact all of the torment was having on him. No one was protecting him. He just couldn’t handle it anymore and gave in to the depression that had taken its hold on him. Jadin committed suicide at the young age of 15 leaving behind his devastated family and friends.
Joe couldn’t change anything he had already done or didn’t do, but he wanted desperately to honor Jadin. Jadin had wanted to live in New York City one day and this was Joe’s opportunity to connect with his son and all the people he would meet along the way. Joe walked and shared his message of hope and tolerance to anyone that would listen. He would talk with community groups, youth groups, Boy Scouts, and at school assemblies. His hope was to change the world one person at a time by sharing his story and heartbreaking experience.
I absolutely recommend seeing this movie. This movie is forthright and raw. There is no Hollywood overproduction or major embellishment for the pure entertainment factor. The story is the story and it is heartbreaking and tragic and real. Unfortunately, this is a story we’ve all heard way too many times. Let’s continue Joe’s message of tolerance and acceptance to honor all of those tragic losses and send hope to those who don’t seem to have any. Keep your head up.
