A film wrought with raw emotion. With the films subject matter, Boy A was always going to divide opinion. Some could not let themselves into the film purely by labelling the main character as evil. This is proved by the countless posts likening the film to the case of Jamie Bulger. But to just compare the film to that would be unfair, and labelling the main character of Jack Burridge is as equally unfair. But of course there is a difference between the film and the real life tragedy, we are taken on the plot of Jack being a very unfortunate child, with an ignorant father and a mother with breast cancer. He is the outcast of his class and has no friends. But when he meets Phillip, he starts to become a normal child. Only to realise that Phillip is the same as himself, a very tortured child due to the fact of being sexually abused. The influential Phillip very much leads Jack (Eric) into a downward spiral which eventually ends up with murdering a young girl. Now this is why it is different, with the real life incident we are presented it merely as an act of unthinkable violence, whereas the film provides a completely unbiased approach. Showing the slow build up towards the inevitable crime alongside a sweet and shy Jack building a life for himself. And film is all about interpretation, so fair enough if you don't agree with him getting a second chance, just don't label him as evil as soon as you know what he's done. It was an evil act, but that doesn't make him an evil person.
Sorry to bring up a serious case in a review, but there was a lot of dismissing of the movie for those same reasons and I wanted to combat them.
The film features two terrific performances, one from reliable character actor Peter Mullan, putting in a wildly likable paternal role. Grounding Jack in his new reality, while always coming off as entirely trustworthy. But the main performance by Andrew Garfield is nothing short of spectacular. It's an understated emotional role, with his stutter and awkward demeanour, Garfield lets us know so much about his character with probably half the dialogue the rest of the main cast get. It is truly a revelatory performance, making it wildly exciting for the anticipation for his role in The Social Network and of course playing the titular Spider-Man in its 2012 reboot.
The film carries two completely differing emotions, at the start there is an incredible sense of worry. With Jack's every suspicious look, the films tension is at times unbearable, thinking every moment that he'll suddenly be found out. But the testament to the film is, that at the same time this incredible tension is created we are also taken on a rites of passage tale as Jack slowly establishes a new reality. Making the film brilliantly divisive in its tone.
The films finale is particularly strong, with the happy life of Jack coming down around him. The audience is treated to some of Jacks own suspicion when Michelle goes missing and we start to suspect somethings wrong. And the slow unravelling does the rest of the films perfect pacing complete justice.
Overall, the film is an incredible achievement. Taking on a bold subject matter and turning it into an incredible character study. Taking down previous ideals and shattering any pre-constructed notions of who deserves to live and who doesn't. The one image I am left with still is when Jack escapes his room by climbing down the roof, he jumps from the shed and hurts his knee. He struggles and walks down an alley, holding the wall. On the other side of the alley, two children pass him, seemingly happy in their own world. This image perfectly encapsulates the films message of who is a monster? We all start the same, some make horrible decisions, but if someone is willing and capable of change, who are we to deny it?