Joe - Bell (2021)

The 2021 film Joe Bell (originally titled Good Joe Bell ) is a biographical drama that tells the heartbreaking true story of an Oregon father's cross-country walk to raise awareness about the consequences of bullying.

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.

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". Joe Bell (2021)

After several delays and a title change, Roadside Attractions released it in U.S. theatres on July 23, 2021 .

Critics were largely divided on the film's execution, leading to mixed reviews. The 2021 film Joe Bell (originally titled Good

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

The film is based on the life of , a man from La Grande, Oregon, whose 15-year-old son, Jadin Bell , died by suicide in February 2013 after being relentlessly bullied for being gay. His goal was to walk from Oregon to

Critics from Screen Daily and other reviewers praised Reid Miller’s performance as Jadin, noting his ability to make the character feel deeply human rather than just a "symbol". Mark Wahlberg received credit for a raw and emotional portrayal that differed from his typical action roles.