Under the Influence

Under the Influence centers on Noah Talbot, a man who has wrestled with alcohol for years and whose drinking begins to ruin the life he shares with his family. The story follows Noah's wife Helen and their children as they watch the consequences of his habit ripple through daily life, from strained meals to missed opportunities and quiet tensions. The household fights to hold onto some normalcy while facing the hard truth that addiction touches every relationship. The film shows relapse’s toll and the tough choices family members must make, balancing care with self protection. Keanu Reeves plays Eddie Talbot, one of Noah and Helen's children, with Andy Griffith delivering a demanding lead performance as Noah. The family's efforts to seek support are shown through conversations with friends, doctors, and a counselor.

Directed by Thomas Carter, this television drama was written by Joyce Burditt and released in 1986 for the small screen. It adapts Burditt's original story with a spare, intimate style that emphasizes character over spectacle.

Critics praised the restrained performances that keep the focus on family dynamics rather than sensationalism. The film tackles denial, responsibility, and the slow process of healing, showing how addiction reshapes trust and the boundaries people set to protect themselves. The ensemble, notably Griffith and Van Patten, grounds the drama with realism and emotional honesty. The dialogue avoids melodrama and instead shows the quiet, often difficult conversations that define real progress.

Box office figures do not apply to this TV feature, which aired on television rather than in theaters. Its reach came through broadcast, syndication, and later home video releases, not ticket sales.

Though not a blockbuster, the film sits among 1980s TV dramas that address social issues with directness. It also marks an early screen credit for Keanu Reeves, a detail fans point to when tracing his career from youth roles and modest beginnings.