Joe Bell (2021) May 2026

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

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. Joe Bell (2021)

Critics were largely divided on the film's execution, leading to mixed reviews. It first debuted at the 2020 Toronto International

The film currently holds a "Mixed or Average" rating on IMDb and Metacritic. Joe Bell (2021) Movie Review Critics were largely divided on the film's execution,

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".