Boy A (2007)

88% of critics liked it
(59 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(34,583 ratings)

A man looking to shed his former identity in order to move beyond his traumatic past discovers that the past and the future are inexorably linked in director John Crowley's feature adaptation of a novel by author Jonathan Trigell. Terry (Peter Mullan) is a caseworker whose job it is to help people… More A man looking to shed his former identity in order to move beyond his traumatic past discovers that the past and the future are inexorably linked in director John Crowley's feature adaptation of a novel by author Jonathan Trigell. Terry (Peter Mullan) is a caseworker whose job it is to help people create new lives. His latest charge is a young man with a troubled past who eventually decides on the new name Jack (Andrew Garfield). Jack has decided to start a new life in Manchester, where no one is aware of his sordid history. As Jack begins his new job in a new town, he quickly catches the attention of beautiful co-worker Michelle (Katie Lyons). While Michelle's advances are unmistakable, Jack remains somewhat awkward in his new skin and the initial encounters between the pair are somewhat clumsy. Later, as the two new lovers begin experiencing the thrill of connecting with a kindred soul, Jack performs a heroic feat that finds him celebrated as a local hero, and it begins to look like he has successfully made the transition into his new life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: John Crowley
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 8, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Oct 7, 2008
Studio: The Weinstein Co.

Critic Reviews

Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
It makes us feel sympathy for the devil.
Christy DeSmith, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Director John Crowley, a veteran Irish theater director now working in film, is deliberate with every last element of his film.
Kamal Al-Solaylee, Globe and Mail
Even its structurally weaker moments give Garfield an opportunity to expand on Jack's physical and mental dislocation. Given Boy A's final floating reel, it's an anchoring performance in every sense of the word.
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
The movie is taut with suspense but culminates in wise resignation as the hero comes to understand he's running from a part of himself.
Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic
Crowley gets a remarkable performance from Andrew Garfield: his Jack is a person who carries guilt with him even when he is trying to override it.
Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
In tandem, the director and screenwriter build up a palpable suspense. Boy A will rivet you while raising issues about forgiveness and just who deserves it.
Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
Andrew Garfield nailed an assignment many actors would avoid or, worse, botch in "Boy A" - embody a grown, traumatized man experiencing emotional honesty, transparent kindness, sexual intimacy and genuine appreciation from others for the first time.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
The material is thought-provoking and features some very good performances.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
The limits of redemption and forgiveness get challenged ruthlessly in this haunting drama...
Stan Hall, Oregonian
Efficiently directed by John Crowley, Boy A avoids exploitation while never soft-selling its thorny subject matter.
Michael Sragow, Baltimore Sun
The genius of Garfield's performance is that he fills him with equal amounts of terror and wonder.
Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine
This is a brutally honest story that pulls no punches. It excels at everything from the directing and acting to the editing and photography. A stunning achievement
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
Garfield is definitely an actor to watch, but prepare yourself for the disappointing ending.
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
It's a sad movie, no question -- but like most great drama, it inspires admiration for its thoughtfulness and its craft.
Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies
Boy A is the kind of movie that falls victim to the new role of multiplex as babysitter of teenagers. Its life in the theatres will be short, but for the few that find it now it will be worth it.
Dan Lybarger, eFilmCritic.com
The new British film 'Boy A' poses a question that is easy to ask but nearly impossible to answer: Can we ever really escape from our own misdeeds?
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
His sophomore feature, Boy A explores bleak territory but its insistence on not tying everything up in neat little bows is to be commended.
John Hartl, Seattle Times
Boy A is one of those rare movies that takes the idea of rehabilitation seriously. In the end, it may present a worst-case scenario, but it does so with unusual depth and conviction.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Carlos M

At first a thought-provoking film about guilt, atonement and the right to start over as a new person. It relies on an excellent performance by Andrew Garfield, but sadly after two intriguing acts everything culminates in a disappointing ending that is contrived and insubstantial.
Idrees K

Loved it
Shawn E

A very interesting film where the director plays on the sympathy and likeness to character who has the past of a murderer. The idea of giving people a second chance in life is a common theme, and for the most part, the second chance is shown in a positive light. The twist in the movie… More
A very interesting film where the director plays on the sympathy and likeness to character who has the past of a murderer. The idea of giving people a second chance in life is a common theme, and for the most part, the second chance is shown in a positive light. The twist in the movie comes from the question; with time should all crimes or mistakes be forgiven and forgotten no matter the scale? The film does not conclude with solid answers, but rather dwells on it's complex ideas.
Aditya G

Based on British author Jonathan Trigell's debut novel, "Boy A", Irish director John Crowley's 2007 film "Boy A" tells a rather unusual story of a young man of about 24, just released from prison. Now the events in the novel bear a striking… More
Based on British author Jonathan Trigell's debut novel, "Boy A", Irish director John Crowley's 2007 film "Boy A" tells a rather unusual story of a young man of about 24, just released from prison. Now the events in the novel bear a striking resemblance to the real life incident of the murder of James Bulger (Read all about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_James_Bulger). However, the plot of the novel and the film itself greatly differ from the actual episode and keep their scope limited to the aftermath of the key event in the aforementioned young man's life, several years after the event itself! The title of the film alludes to the court practice of concealing the identity of child defendants. So we soon come to know that the protagonist (Andrew Garfield), now known as Jack Burridge has been imprisoned as a child and is released as an adult. He is given his new identity and a second chance; a chance at a new life with a full-time job, guided by his parole contact, a rehabilitation worker, Terry (Peter Mullan). Jack comes across as rather shy, reserved and very timid at first. Majority of the focus of the film is on Jack's attempts at acclimatizing to his new surroundings, his sudden entry into a normal social life as an adult, a mutual attraction that develops between him and his cute associate at work Michelle (Katie Lyons) (for him, a rather late yet abrupt "coming of age", if you will), a close friendship with his colleague Chris (Shaun Evans) and the considerable popularity he earns at his workplace. A series of flashbacks throw some light on the fateful event in Jack's life that subsequently led to him being imprisoned. Nonetheless, Jack is working towards forgetting "the incident" as one bad dream and enjoying his newfound happy life...but will it last? Or will his past demons come back to haunt him? Is "the incident" dead and buried, or has it left permanent scars that are going to render his past inescapable? Andrew Garfield, now famous for his memorable act in "The Social Network" delivers an outstanding performance here. He brings the character of the diffident Jack to life....you can actually feel his emotional ups and downs, the initial awkwardness, the joy of suddenly entering the world of adulthood from a social perspective. He is excellent in all of his scenes, particularly the more difficult ones and also one stand-out scene in a nightclub when he experiences an acid trip. The sheer authenticity of his act makes you applaud the young actor. Another brilliant performance comes from Peter Mullan as the rehab worker Terry. Perhaps he is better known for his "Mother Superior" act in "Trainspotting". His character is moderately developed as a fatherly figure to Jack juxtaposed with a little inside look at his relationship with his own son. This underrated Scottish actor seriously deserves bigger and better roles...his is a talent that certainly merits more recognition. Shaun Evans and Katie Lyons support well. John Crowley crafts a slow-burning yet compelling film. He plays it extremely safe and resorts to that technique called "ambiguity" to drive at the point he is trying to make. So nothing is made entirely clear. Did Jack really commit the crime he was accused of? Or did he just happen to be there..a classic case of wrong place, wrong time..a hapless scapegoat! Yes, the flashbacks do reveal a significant part of his life as a child and the clearly unwelcome company he was involved in. But when it comes to "the incident", the director chooses the clever "off-camera" device. Revealing the brutality of the crime Jack committed is not really Crowley's agenda. His real intention then, is to pose some highly debatable questions to the viewers. Should a small child of about 10 be held responsible for his acts? After all, it was just one incident in his life that led to this..it wasn't really in his blood. Now he is a full grown man, a kindhearted man who wants to live the good life. Should a man charged, accused and imprisoned for performing a single heinous act be condemned for life? Does he not deserve the chance to be like everyone else; A chance to be a good man who wants a decent living amongst friends and loved ones? It is this central theme that is likely to polarize audiences. Most will probably hate the film for its message, others will end up loving it for its profound character portrait. As for me, I am still not able to draw a satisfying conclusion to what I feel about Crowley's film as far as his message is concerned. But I do like the film as a fine specimen of film-making. And that is where Crowley succeeds the most. He ensures that his product will trigger debate on some level and at the same time serve as a thought-provoking film that will certainly be well-remembered by serious film lovers, if not well loved.
Thomas J

"Boy A" is one of the best movies you never heard of! I was left breathless! "Boy A" challenges the viewer to see the person more so than the crime. I felt conflicted as my emotions were pulled in many directions during the movie from different characters… More
"Boy A" is one of the best movies you never heard of! I was left breathless! "Boy A" challenges the viewer to see the person more so than the crime. I felt conflicted as my emotions were pulled in many directions during the movie from different characters experiences. It left me questioning what I would do in the character's position? This movie is recondite and esoteric while allowing the viewer to relax and enjoy this gritty story. This is not a fast paced movie and may I suggest be viewed starting with a glass of wine, but keep the vodka close as the the story unfolds! All the actors gave excellent performances especially Andrew Garfield as Boy A who will be the new Peter Parker in Spiderman 4.
Nicki M

Good, not as good as I thought it would be from the trailer, but worth a watch.
Luke B

A superb film in just about every imaginable way. From the incredible drama to the moral and ethical subjects tackled. It shows how people really can change and also the saddening unforgiving nature of society. Nothing can excuse what Jack did, but as the film shows he has become a… More
A superb film in just about every imaginable way. From the incredible drama to the moral and ethical subjects tackled. It shows how people really can change and also the saddening unforgiving nature of society. Nothing can excuse what Jack did, but as the film shows he has become a decent and even heroic young man. The performance from Andrew Garfield is worthy of any award. He presents us with a man who finds society awkward, who has regrets over his past but most of all wants to move on with a worthwhile life. The film is often brutal but also touching. Mullan is his superb self and every character is given a wealth of depth and understanding. A rare, honest and in many ways brave film.
Jani H

"Boy A" is a stunner. I'm always searching for the hidden gems of the cinema world and now I found one! This film has been a hit on many film festivals and I see it as my duty to tell my friends about it. Jack, played by Andrew Garfield, is a young man who's in… More
"Boy A" is a stunner. I'm always searching for the hidden gems of the cinema world and now I found one! This film has been a hit on many film festivals and I see it as my duty to tell my friends about it. Jack, played by Andrew Garfield, is a young man who's in transition to gain a new future. He was sent to prison for a crime he committed as a child. Terry, played by Peter Mullen (Trainspotting, Children of Men) is the one person who has faith and sees the good in him. His new life starts good, he gets a job, meets a girl and falls in love. But the past woun't leave him alone... John Crowley, the director, tells the story of Jack using flashbacks. This suits the film perfectly, as the viewer gains little by little more information about this sympathetic character. "Boy A" is somewhat of a brutal, morally complex film. Should people be given a second chance? Will the guilt of your past be stronger than your will to find happiness in life? The strongest factor in "Boy A" is its lead actors. I can't recall when was the last time I saw such a strong performance, as Andrew Garfield's performance as Jack? His future, If he upholds the same level as in "Boy A", couldn't be any brighter. All of the actors do an excellent job and they show us perfect examples on how to reach the viewers heart. The cinematography and sound department are simple but effective. The sets are pretty ascetic but they leave more attention to the actors work. After my first viewing, I really can't find anything negative to say about this film. "Boy A" is a film that touched me. And that doesn't happen often. A perfect achievement in acting, or filmmaking in general, "Boy A" should be viewed by everyone who enjoy serious cinema.
Nani V

It was pretty good. One of those unique films. I liked how they went back to his childhood in between his adulthood. After watching this film, for those who saw the end..."the crime", I had a dream that night that I was doing the same thing to my younger brother! Weird!
Lorenzo v

"Who Decides Who Gets A Second Chance?" Having been institutionalized for most of his life, Jack (Andrew Garfield) is finally released from prison at the age of 24. He and another boy murdered a child when they themselves were… More
"Who Decides Who Gets A Second Chance?" Having been institutionalized for most of his life, Jack (Andrew Garfield) is finally released from prison at the age of 24. He and another boy murdered a child when they themselves were children. The film follows Jack's attempts to readjust to the world outside of confinement and restart a life which never really got going. Under the fatherly mentoring of Terry (Peter Mullan), his parole contact and social worker, he experiences a coming of age, which would normally have happened years ago. Forces from the past are constantly upon him. As we learn more about the events leading up to the crime which has ruined so many lives, there is an increasing sense of suspense, intrigue and ultimately doom: the tabloid press and Terry's real son are not going to let things lie. Definitely one of the best films I've seen this year. This came as a shock to me because I have never heard of this film beforehand. But because of the buzz that's been circling around this film I decided to buy me a copy of this one and man, was I surprised. This film tackles the idea of second chances and starting life all over. Boy A is visually stunning. The acting is astounding, credit goes to up and coming talent Andrew Garfield and the raw emotion that he invested in the character. It was very convincing and all the while, heart breaking. He carries the film from start to end and you can't help but notice his presence from the get-go. It just goes to show that you don't need big explosions and loud, noisy scenes to make an excellent movie. With all the rubbish Hollywood's been releasing these days, its nice to see films like these just circling around, silently building its audience fan base and through the word of mouth, it spreads and it spreads. Boy A is highly recommended.
Lady D

This film left me utterly speechless. This great British Drama is shot as a devil's advoate kind of view, showing two sides to every story. Certain parts of the film led me and (I'm sure others) to recall a very similar well known British case. The actions to the film… More
This film left me utterly speechless. This great British Drama is shot as a devil's advoate kind of view, showing two sides to every story. Certain parts of the film led me and (I'm sure others) to recall a very similar well known British case. The actions to the film lead you to make your own opinions and your mind is questioning every part of this dilemma. Superbly acted, gritty, emotional, real hard hitting stuff with a controversial issue. Amazing! Kudos to the Director and leading actor for this one.
Jeff T

Wrenching, beautifully acted, tiny and hard. So glad I saw this one.
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]"Boy A" starts with a young man(Andrew Garfield) choosing Jack as the new name for himself and given a new pair of sneakers by his caseworker, Terry(Peter Mullan), who is overlooking his release which is conducted with the utmost secrecy. Amongst other… More
[font=Century Gothic]"Boy A" starts with a young man(Andrew Garfield) choosing Jack as the new name for himself and given a new pair of sneakers by his caseworker, Terry(Peter Mullan), who is overlooking his release which is conducted with the utmost secrecy. Amongst other things, he has also arranged an apartment and a new job for his young charge working in a warehouse where he makes some new friends including Chris(Shaun Evans) and catches the eye of a secretary, Michelle(Katie Lyons).[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"Boy A" is a competent and well-acted social drama that is hampered by a couple of plot contrivances. The movie is about the notions of responsibility and rehabilitation and asks if any one person's life is completely without worth. The answer is simply that we all need somebody who loves us. Jack is no longer the same person he was when he was a kid, ne Eric Wilson(Alfie Owen). At the time, he was victimized by older bullies, was ignored by his father(Leigh Symonds) while his mother(Maria Gough) was seriously ill. Into the abyss, steps Philip(Taylor Doherty), a kid his own age that protects him from the bullies. But as an adult, he has a social network of people who accept him(they think he used to steal cars) and a loving father figure in Terry. [/font]
Andrew F

A stirring drama that isn't afraid to go to dark places.
m h

It was a pretty decent film. A little slow at times. But a good story nonetheless. I liked how they slowly revealed the back story, so you slowly piece together what really happened. I also liked the ending. A good "did he...or didn't he". And I felt really bad for Jack… More
It was a pretty decent film. A little slow at times. But a good story nonetheless. I liked how they slowly revealed the back story, so you slowly piece together what really happened. I also liked the ending. A good "did he...or didn't he". And I felt really bad for Jack (Andrew Garfield). I don't think he was ever really bad guy to begin with. I think he was lost kid who was influenced by the one person who took any notice of him. But it makes you think. But it makes you think, if this was real, would I have passed judgment on him without knowing his full backstory? Would I see the nice guy before me....or would I would I be blinded by his past? The film was good in that way. I think the acting was great. Andrew Garfield really shines here. So I would recommend this film. Like I already mentioned, it can be slow some times, but overall very good. And on another note that doesn't have to do with any important in the movie...I really enjoyed Andrew Garfield Spaz-tastic dancing. Boy has got moves.
Anthony V

Another one of those films with the dramatic equivalent of a punch in the gut. Much more than a simple morality tale, this story of redemption, forgiveness and trust explores as much of the gray areas of our society as I've seen. Andrew Garfield and Peter Mullan give the kind… More
Another one of those films with the dramatic equivalent of a punch in the gut. Much more than a simple morality tale, this story of redemption, forgiveness and trust explores as much of the gray areas of our society as I've seen. Andrew Garfield and Peter Mullan give the kind of performances the academy should have been paying attention to. Another one to move to top of your list.
Lauren D

To be honest my main problem was that the main character looked retarded. I don't know if he was supposed to or not, but it distracted me. I didn't really get the message it was trying to say. It kind of seemed like they were saying that Jack was a bad guy and he should be… More
To be honest my main problem was that the main character looked retarded. I don't know if he was supposed to or not, but it distracted me. I didn't really get the message it was trying to say. It kind of seemed like they were saying that Jack was a bad guy and he should be treated as one, whereas I feel the opposite. I mean, he did something bad as a kid, because his BFF 'told' him to. In some cases, this would be like your parent telling you to do something. They tell you to do something, even if you think it's bad, but you do it because they're the authority. Putting him in jail for 10 years isn't going to fix him at all, and probably would screw him up a little. But I just think it's stupid.
Eduardo C

"Boy A" is a film that is at times so hauntingly beautiful that its repeated attempts to undermine itself are nothing short of a tragedy. At its best it soars to such wondrous heights. At its worst it sacrifices its ethereal beauty for the comforts of condescension and… More
"Boy A" is a film that is at times so hauntingly beautiful that its repeated attempts to undermine itself are nothing short of a tragedy. At its best it soars to such wondrous heights. At its worst it sacrifices its ethereal beauty for the comforts of condescension and artificiality. It is almost as if the filmmakers were afraid to go where the film itself was taking them, and every time it tried to break free they managed to reign it in, re-anchoring it into the realm of the conventional. At the core of what succeeds in the film is the truly great central performance. The acting is, in general, top notch but Andrew Garfield truly stands out by delivering a deceptively simple performance as the titular Boy A. Having spent most of his life in an institution, he has the emotional development of a child. His fragility and tenderness would be comical if they were not constantly at odds with his feelings of guilt. He provides for the film everything it needs: its tone, its mood, its pacing. It responds in turn by being structured around him. Had the film been exclusively about him and his attempts to start a life it might well have been a masterpiece. Unfortunately, the screenplay has other ideas. A subplot involving our lead's parole officer and his son is completely pointless, existing solely as a device with which to bring about the final catalyzing event. The use of symbolism in a particular scene (the knife, more evident during the closing scenes) is appallingly obvious to the point of distraction. The romance, while well acted, feels more like the artificial construct of an overeager screenwriter, particularly since our female lead, described as intelligent and quick-witted, all but threw herself at this awkward, socially retarded puppy-dog without having so much as spoken to him in a series of sequences that make little, if any, sense. The screenplay also feels the need to artificially punch up the danger via unnecessary flashbacks, a violent scene that contradicts all we know of our boy Jack, and even deus ex machina. The film's ending is a particularly bad offender, relying on a series of improbable (if not impossible) circumstances in order to unfold the way it did. What we are left with, then, is a film that is as great as it is mediocre. Every stunning moment is undermined by artificiality not long after, but the reverse is also true. As a whole "Boy A" is a good film that is disappointing only because of how great it was allowed to be at times.
Stefan P

Absolutely amazing. I was sold right from the beginning.
John A

Television Film Channel4, November 2007 Jack has just been released from prison, hoping to start his life afresh. He sits opposite his social worker, Terry, with his boyish grin and a natural, shy charm that makes him seem… More
Television Film Channel4, November 2007 Jack has just been released from prison, hoping to start his life afresh. He sits opposite his social worker, Terry, with his boyish grin and a natural, shy charm that makes him seem instantly likeable, discussing plans for his future. You can sense the simultaneous nerves and eagerness in the idea he can start again, and overcome the actions of his past. But his crime hangs like an ominous storm cloud in the distance, and Jack will soon learn the cruel reality behind the nature of forgiveness. Working from the novel of the same name by Jonathon Trigell, screenwriter Mark O'Rowe and director John Crowley gently divulge brief snapshots of Jack's past as a lonely teenager, when he was bullied by older kids and went by a different name. But then he found a friend in Phillip, and although we recognise it is his first true friend there remains something uneasy, something dangerously unnerving about their daytime exploits. This foreboding atmosphere quietly infiltrates the scenes back in the present, where Jack begins work at a factory and makes new friends; even office girl Michelle asks him out for a drink. These particular moments of the picture work effortlessly, Crowley avoiding a manipulative or emotional stance but simply allowing the situations to take their natural course. Even when more climatic scenes crop up they feel natural, almost inevitable to the narrative thread. Andrew Garfield submerges himself into the titular character; he never loses sight that Jack is a man hiding something, a man desperate to conceal a past society refuses to accept. But there is also this new man within him, and Garfield understands Jack is trying eagerly to break free from his former identity, to find a comfortable slot in this new life. He isn't asking for attention or seeking praise, but simply wants to belong. These feelings are raised almost too subtly; for when a final flashback reveals the true actions, the horrific crime that Jack committed as a young teenager the emotional and moral stance we have adopted becomes entrenched with ambiguity. If you do not know this crime, I suggest it should remain a secret. The issue of forgiveness has been raised with a striking profundity, and very few would be able to completely redeem or condemn Jack either way. Terry is one of those few. He fervently believes in second chances, that Jack has served his time and paid his debt to society. He deserves his new friends and new life, and although his past can never truly escape him, he must look forward to who he is now rather than what he once was, or what he did. Peter Mullan is a superb actor and never turns Terry into a naïve old fool, simply a man with firm beliefs on rehabilitation and reform. But even underneath these values lies something inherently more selfish Terry would not like to be aware of. But it is essentially our belief, society's beliefs what matter here. 'Boy A' is a film that seeks to ask how we define our humanity, and in whom. Are there crimes that remain absolutely unforgivable? How old must a child be before he knows the damaging consequences of his actions? For those who will seek to label 'Boy A' as overtly liberal, Crowley provides a solid, unswerving moment where Jack, as his younger self, has ample opportunity to walk away from his future, to not carry out the crime. It is an opportunity he doesn't take up. Jack's relationship with Michelle soon turns into something more than an office romance. He realises he loves her, and that she may feel the same. But Terry insists he cannot divulge his secret; even if Michelle will accept and forgive his crimes, society will not. He has worked too hard, Terry insists, to start stepping backwards. As the character relationships thicken, Jack's life begins to unravel, and we realise perhaps he must forgive himself before others are capable of doing the same. Crowley has crafted a fine picture in 'Boy A' both technically and thematically. The film won a host of TV BAFTA's, including Best Actor for Garfield, and deservedly so. But this isn't typical awards drama by a long stretch. It forces us to re-evaluate and question our beliefs, to think of cases as specific, not general. Toward the end of the film there a couple of scenes that seem so implausible it should be assumed they are real only to Jack. He sits by the pier, in love with Michelle, but at the end of the road. Crowley doesn't ask for sympathy, merely understanding. Jack cannot escape his past.