The character of Ben Davis on the Netflix series Ozark serves as a crucial emotional anchor within the show's intense criminal drama. Portrayed by actor Skylar Gaertner, Ben is the sensitive and intelligent son of Marty and Wendy Byrde, and his presence constantly highlights the cost of the family's criminal enterprise.
Skylar Gaertner: The Actor Behind Ben Davis
American actor Skylar Gaertner brought Ben Davis to life with a nuanced performance that avoided typical child actor pitfalls. Born on January 13, 2004, in Englewood, New Jersey, Gaertner had already appeared in several notable projects before landing the role in 2017. His portrayal required balancing the vulnerability of a child witnessing family turmoil with the maturity required to understand the dangerous world his parents inhabited.
Character Development and Story Arc
Ben's journey throughout Ozark's four seasons reflects the profound impact of living within a criminal empire. Initially presented as a somewhat naive child, he gradually matures into a young man who understands the violence and deceit surrounding him. Gaertner's performance captures the subtle trauma of witnessing murders, managing the family's money, and the constant pressure of maintaining normalcy amid chaos.
Season 1: Introduction as a protective older brother to Jonah and initially unaware of the full extent of his parents' operations.
Season 2: Grappling with the reality of the cartel's violence and developing a complex relationship with his father.
Season 3: Facing the consequences of the family's actions and showing increased independence and street smarts.
Season 4: Navigating the aftermath of the series' dramatic events and confronting his future.
Critical Reception and Impact
Gaertner's work as Ben received consistent praise from critics and audiences alike for avoiding the trap of being merely a plot device. Critics highlighted his ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue, particularly in scenes involving his strained relationship with his father, Marty. His performance provided a grounding human element that contrasted sharply with the show's frequent brutality.
Beyond Ozark: Skylar Gaertner's Career
While Ozark significantly raised Gaertner's profile, his career extends beyond the Missouri-based drama. He demonstrated his range in various film and television projects, including roles in "The Americans," "Narcos," and the film "Little Men." These diverse roles showcased his capacity to inhabit different worlds and emotional landscapes, establishing him as a versatile young talent in the industry.
Comparisons to Other Ozark Child Characters
Ben's character is often analyzed alongside other young characters in the series, particularly Jonah Byrde, played by Jaxon and Jeremiah Lynch. While Jonah embraced the criminal world's power, Ben remained more empathetic and morally grounded. Gaertner's performance created a distinct contrast to the darker trajectory of his on-screen brother, emphasizing different responses to the same traumatic environment.
The Legacy of Ben Davis
Looking back on the series, Ben Davis represents one of the more compelling coming-of-age stories within Ozark's grim narrative. Gaertner's portrayal ensured that the cost of the Byrde's choices was felt through the eyes of an innocent party. The character's evolution from a protected child to a aware young adult provided a poignant counterpoint to the show's primary crime thriller plot, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
