Joe Bell (2021) May 2026

It first debuted at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as Good Joe Bell .

The film also features Connie Britton as Joe’s wife, Lola, and Gary Sinise as a local sheriff Joe meets on his journey. Critical Reception Joe Bell (2021)

After several delays and a title change, Roadside Attractions released it in U.S. theatres on July 23, 2021 . It first debuted at the 2020 Toronto International

Directed by and written by the Academy Award-winning duo Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana ( Brokeback Mountain ), the movie stars Mark Wahlberg as Joe Bell and Reid Miller as Jadin. theatres on July 23, 2021

Some reviewers found the film's nonlinear storytelling—which uses Jadin as an "apparition" or mental companion during Joe's walk—to be an effective way to explore their relationship. However, others argued the film focused too much on the father's redemption and "pain" rather than the son's lived experience.

Devastated by the loss and grappling with his own previous inability to fully accept his son’s identity, Joe began a solo trek on foot across the United States. His goal was to walk from Oregon to New York City—a city his son had dreamed of living in—while stopping at schools and community centers along the way to speak about inclusion and the "lasting effects of bullying".

The film currently holds a "Mixed or Average" rating on IMDb and Metacritic. Joe Bell (2021) Movie Review