Former President Trump has selected freshman Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election. Vance, who has been serving as a senator since 2023, gained nationwide recognition through his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," published in 2016. The success of his book led to a Hollywood adaptation on Netflix in 2020.

Directed by Ron Howard, "Hillbilly Elegy" featured a star-studded cast, including Gabriel Basso, Amy Adams, Glenn Close, and Haley Bennett. Basso portrayed Vance himself, depicting his journey as a Yale Law student who returns to his hometown in Ohio after receiving an urgent phone call. The film delves into Vance's personal history, exploring three generations of his family and the challenges he faces in shaping his own future.

Amy Adams took on the role of Beverly "Bev" Vance, JD's mother. Bev was depicted as a struggling mother of two, battling addiction. In her preparation for the role, Adams spoke with members of Vance's family and Bev herself, emphasizing the importance of representing Bev's struggles and finding the humanity in her story. Adams acknowledged the pressure of portraying a character who would see the film but found the experience uplifting.

Glenn Close portrayed Vance's "Mamaw," Bev's mother, who played a significant role in JD's upbringing. Close underwent a transformation to accurately capture the essence of the character, stating that she wanted to change her face to fully immerse herself in the role. Like Adams, Close recognized the importance of portraying Vance's family members authentically and defining their psychological and emotional landscapes.

Both Adams and Close expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of "Hillbilly Elegy." Adams acknowledged the immense challenges faced by those touched by addiction, while Close saw the film as a chance to push her acting abilities and create a unique experience in her career.

The Netflix adaptation of "Hillbilly Elegy" shed light on JD Vance's memoir and brought his story to a wider audience. The film allowed Hollywood stars to give powerful performances, highlighting the struggles and resilience of Vance's family and their Appalachian roots. As Vance begins his political journey as a running mate, his memoir-turned-film continues to have a lasting impact, resonating with viewers and voters alike.

The 2020 adaptation stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of Hollywood to give voice to important narratives. By teaming up with renowned actors and directors, Vance's memoir reached a larger audience, sparking conversations about family, culture, and the challenges faced by working-class communities.