Being Charlie is a 2015 dramatic feature about an 18-year-old returning home after leaving a drug-treatment clinic, where addiction collides with family pressure and his father’s political ambitions. It is loosely inspired by co-writer Nick Reiner’s teenage experiences, not a literal account of his life. The film was directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nick Reiner and Matt Elisofon.
What is Being Charlie about?
Charlie Mills, played by Nick Robinson, leaves a youth drug-treatment clinic and returns to Los Angeles. His parents want him to enter adult rehab, but Charlie resists their plans. His father, David Mills (Cary Elwes), is a former actor campaigning for governor, adding political pressure to an already strained family relationship. Charlie meets Eva (Morgan Saylor) as he navigates drugs, love, and conflict at home. Common plays Travis.
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| 1 |
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Being John Malkovich | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple TV lists the film at 1 hour 37 minutes; Tubi lists it at 1 hour 38 minutes. Those are platform listings, not a single independently reconciled runtime.
Is Being Charlie based on a true story?
It is loosely based on Nick Reiner’s teenage experiences with addiction and homelessness, according to TIME’s May 9, 2016 report. Reiner co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Elisofon, whom he met in rehab. The film draws on parts of Reiner’s experience, but its characters and events should not be treated as a literal record of his life.
#1 Best Overall
In a 2016 interview later quoted in an Associated Press retrospective, Rob Reiner reflected on decisions he made as a parent: “I maybe didn’t handle it the best way,” he said. “I listened to a lot of people who had a desk and a diploma. I didn’t really think about my kid and what he needed.” The comment offers context on the family experience behind the film; it is not a statement that the movie is documentary footage or a fully factual retelling.
Who made the film, and when was it released?
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Writers: Nick Reiner and Matt Elisofon
- Principal cast: Nick Robinson as Charlie Mills, Morgan Saylor as Eva, Cary Elwes as David Mills, and Common as Travis
- Production company: Castle Rock Entertainment
- U.S. distributor: Paladin
Being Charlie screened in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Special Presentations section on September 14, 2015, and Paladin released it in the United States on May 6, 2016, according to Front Row’s film catalog.
Rank #2
Where can you watch Being Charlie?
At the time the platform pages were reviewed, Tubi listed the film for streaming and Prime Video displayed digital rental and purchase options. Availability, prices, and whether access is free with ads vary by country and can change; check the services directly for your location. Apple TV has a film information page, but the reviewed listing did not establish whether it currently offers a viewing transaction in every region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is its rating and content guidance?
The reviewed U.S. Apple TV listing rates Being Charlie R and gives a 17+ platform advisory, with labels for sexuality/nudity, language throughout, and drug use. Tubi also labels the film R and provides a parent-oriented advisory. These are platform-supplied content guides, not clinical assessments.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
