The Forger (2011 film)

The Forger is a 2011 American crime drama film directed by Lawrence Roeck and starring Josh Hutcherson, Hayden Panettiere, Lauren Bacall, Alfred Molina, and Dina Eastwood. The film follows a troubled 15-year-old art prodigy, Joshua Mason (Hutcherson), who gets embroiled in a dangerous art forgery scheme.

Joshua lives with his single mother, Ginger (Tricia Helfer), who is dying of cancer. To help pay for her medical bills, he uses his artistic talent to forge paintings. When his estranged and wealthy father, Everly Campbell (Molina), discovers his talent, he pulls Joshua deeper into the forgery world. They target a painting by a deceased famous artist, Carmel Bellini, with the intention of selling it to a ruthless collector.

Complicating matters is Amber Felter (Panettiere), a classmate who suspects Joshua's activities and develops a complicated relationship with him. As Joshua gets further involved, he faces moral dilemmas and dangers that threaten his relationship with his mother and his own future. The film explores themes of family, morality, and the lengths people will go to for those they love. Lauren Bacall plays Anne-Marie Cole, a sophisticated art expert, and Dina Eastwood plays a gallery owner. The film's plot revolves around the art world, criminal activity, and Joshua's struggle to navigate these conflicting forces while trying to help his mother.