Review of The Boy (2015) by Phillip N — 27 Jun 2016
People have described this as a horror, but I agree with Rainn Wilson's description, in the special features. It is a psychological drama and a character study. It looks at the effects of loneliness and isolation on a disparate father and his nine year old son (the boy of the title).
The story is an acute observation of what can happen to a family when it loses its gravitational centre, and then loses its footing. The setting is a remote and deserted Motel, much like the one in Baghdad Café or Tender Mercies.
Unlike the former, there is no fuel here to be ignited by a spark of magic. Unlike the latter, there is no redemption for the lost soul. There is just pervading flatness, and a sense of tumbleweed. The quality and leanness of the writing and acting draw you along with morbid fascination.
This review of The Boy (2015) was written by Phillip N on 27 Jun 2016.
The Boy has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
