Review of Beautiful Boy (2011) by Angelina C — 17 Aug 2011

The drama focuses on the effects the aftermath as we follow their reactions to the tragedy. Usually, similar genres/storyline throws the spotlight onto the parents of the victims however this one concentrates on the parents of the shooter in which very few filmmakers dare to explore. They not only lose their child to the massacre but also learnt that their son was the madman behind the slaughter. Sheen and Bello gave performances that are hard to fault. It is their talents that anchored the film, they delivered something fearless, unconventional and utterly memorable.

The film purposefully avoids addressing some issues, certain viewers may feel perplexed and I too, wanted the director to shed light on the 'why' aspect of the tragedy, who is to blame and what would ever bring a person to take on such horrific action?It is haunting, deeply disturbing and brutally honest. It is a truthful depiction of two people being plunged into a deep tunnel of despair by possibly the most unimaginable news any parent could hear. Extremely bleak and definitely not a summer fare but nevertheless worth taking the time to appreciate this. An Indie gem.A great film that I never want to see it again!