Based on a controversial book by James Frey, A Million Little Pieces unfolds as a narrative of addiction and its consequences, a universal tale of lives destroyed, dreams shattered.
Interned by concerned family, James (Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Nocturnal Animals, Tenet) struggles to keep to the rules of Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota, a legendary rehab center for addicts. With men and women separated (running the risk of expulsion should fraternisation be discovered), a constantly angry James meets up with Lilly (Odessa Young – The Daughter, Looking For Grace) in secret – against the advice of evolving friend and mentor, Leonard (Billy Bob Thornton – Slingblade, TV’s Goliath). As characters come and go within the centre, James slowly responds to the support of psych, Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers, August: Osage County) and the other patients.
It’s a gritty, dour narrative from director Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy, Fifty Shades of Grey) with few fireworks. Sincere performances and engaging adaptation, the controversy surrounded the claims of Frey as to the truth of the story. Having stated A Million Little Pieces was based on his own life, Frey was later forced to admit the novel was a work of fiction.
Rating: 59%
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