The first and most important thing to remember if you'd like to watch The Boy without succumbing to boredom (in my opinion) is that it isn't actually a Horror film (at least not the way most of us have been made used to). Far from it. No eerie atmosphere, no jump- scares or "boo!" moments, no unnecessary gore (thank God for that), and pretty much nothing that appeals to the basic human physiology. I kept on waiting for something (anything) to actually happen, for the plot to become compelling or in any way interesting to watch... Unfortunately, I had to wait until the end of the film to realize I've wasted my time on account of not watching it right (if there even is such a thing).
First of all, the acting is great. I've been a David Morse fan ever since I've seen him in The Rock (and of course Green Mile) and later in his guest appearance in House. This role has obviously been more challenging, as the character of "the father" is supposed to invoke both empathy and disgust. Rain Wilson also does a great job as "the stranger". However, as always, I've been most impressed with young Jared Breeze as "the boy". It's alway lovely seeing talent at such a young age! His character is nonchalant, unexcited, and unimpressed, just as it should be.
The Boy doesn't show you a sociopath on a killing spree. It shows you a human being, or better phrased - a sociopath attempting to fake humanity. Even during times of extreme emotion, Breeze's body language shows that he's doing what he's "supposed" to do as a human being. Whether he's happy, frustrated, having fun or throwing a fit - it seems he's always feeling 50% less than we would, especially as children.
The Boy is a psychological film, not a thriller, definitely not Horror. Towards the ending, when the darkest sides of the characters unfold, the story becomes a lot more compelling as we are exposed to the gravity of the conclusion due to the turn of events. I can honestly say I was deeply impressed with Craig William Macneill's creation here, but did not really enjoy it. This is a film for "thinkers" and cinema students, and I simply wanted a good scare.
First of all, the acting is great. I've been a David Morse fan ever since I've seen him in The Rock (and of course Green Mile) and later in his guest appearance in House. This role has obviously been more challenging, as the character of "the father" is supposed to invoke both empathy and disgust. Rain Wilson also does a great job as "the stranger". However, as always, I've been most impressed with young Jared Breeze as "the boy". It's alway lovely seeing talent at such a young age! His character is nonchalant, unexcited, and unimpressed, just as it should be.
The Boy doesn't show you a sociopath on a killing spree. It shows you a human being, or better phrased - a sociopath attempting to fake humanity. Even during times of extreme emotion, Breeze's body language shows that he's doing what he's "supposed" to do as a human being. Whether he's happy, frustrated, having fun or throwing a fit - it seems he's always feeling 50% less than we would, especially as children.
The Boy is a psychological film, not a thriller, definitely not Horror. Towards the ending, when the darkest sides of the characters unfold, the story becomes a lot more compelling as we are exposed to the gravity of the conclusion due to the turn of events. I can honestly say I was deeply impressed with Craig William Macneill's creation here, but did not really enjoy it. This is a film for "thinkers" and cinema students, and I simply wanted a good scare.