Review of Boy A (2008) by Jim G — 24 Sep 2011

âBoy Aâ? is a very difficult movie. Itâ(TM)s also a very good movieâ"which makes it even more difficult. The story it tells, of Jack Burridge (a reformed convict who re-enters society after having served time in prison for a heinous crime he committed as a child), straddles the line between righteousness and sympathy.

The filmâ(TM)s narrative is structured perfectlyâ"the story of the present-day Jack is intercut with flashbacks to his previous life as Eric, and just as our sympathy for Jack has reached its height, we are confronted with the grim reality of his past crime.

Moral complications aboundâ"just as Jack seems to have attained some stability in his new life, an act of selfless heroism thrusts him into the media spotlight, creating tragic implications. Andrew Garfield is masterful as Jack, and the largely unknown supporting cast is solid.

Not a movie for those who like their films unambiguous, but if youâ(TM)ve ever wondered what life might be like when your deepest, darkest secret is exposed, you will not be able to tear your eyes away from this one.