Review of Boy A (2008) by Sherry L — 21 Oct 2011

An english drama that evokes many strong emotions.

It's the story of a young man, who has recently been released from some youth welfare, and is ready to start a new life.

Though, the main character, the young man, is somewhat maladroit, it's hard not to feel sympathy for him, the efforts he makes to live a normal life, getting a job, friends and a nice girls friend, who are all unaware of his real background. He is constantly haunted by a trauma from his childhood. It later reveals that he and a friend was involved in a very brutal killing, of a little girl at the same age, which was why he was put in an institution for so many years.

The case draw very much attention with media, and the public has been notified that "Boy A" has been released with a new identity, which many people find very upsetting. "Boy B" has been dead for a couple of years.

There are many things in this movie that feels related to the real case with the killing of a two year old, in Liverpool, almost twenty years ago. I guess there are hardly any englishman, who doesn't remember that infamous crime, committed by two 10 year old boys, who were known by the press as "Child A" and "Child B", and given new identities after having served their time.

What I especially appreciates about this movie, is the comparatively objective way which this story is set through. It forces the viewer to regard the character rather impartial, at least at first, that is...

Also, it gives an almost shockingly realistic impression, that will be stuck on your mind some time after having watched this movie.

Very good performance by Andrew Garfield!