Boy A

A low-key yet surprisingly moving endeavor, Boy A kicks off with the release of a young man (Andrew Garfield’s Jack) from prison – where he’s just completed a stint for his part in the death of a young girl. Assisted by his compassionate case worker (Peter Mullan’s Terry), Jack sets out to build a new life for himself – eventually landing a job, close buddies, and even a girlfriend. Beautifully directed by John Crowley, Boy A is one of those unassuming little movies that somehow sneaks up on the viewer – with the end result a distinctly powerful piece of work that rattles around in one’s head long after the end credits have rolled. There’s little doubt that Garfield’s absolutely riveting performance plays a significant role in the film’s success, as the actor effectively transforms Jack into a fascinating and thoroughly sympathetic figure. Crowley’s subtle yet stylish directorial choices perfectly complement Mark O’Rowe’s screenplay, though there’s ultimately no denying that the movie would’ve benefited from the inclusion of subtitles (the heavy accents occasionally makes it a little difficult to discern all of the dialogue). The mystery surrounding Jack’s past adds a level of suspense to the proceedings that one wouldn’t necessarily have expected, with the end result precisely the sort of hidden gem that one longs to discover at a film festival.

***1/2 out of ****