Tangled Magazine

Boy A
A film review by Laura Hartley
5.0 OUT OF 5.0 STARS

Written  : Jonathan Trigell (novel)
                 Mark O’Rowe (screenplay)
Directed : John Crowley
Starring : Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan, Siobhan Finneran

Boy A is the incredible British film in which a young man, after years of incarceration for murdering a child (when only a child himself), is released back into society.  This film raises a lot of questions about criminal rehabilitation, and the judgement of someone without fully knowing the facts.

Having been institutionalised for most of his life, EricWilson is released from prison at the age of 24.  Forced to change his identity to Jack Barridge (Andrew Garfield), he has never experienced friendship, girls, sex, work – or even DVD’s. 

Andrew Garfield (who won the 2008 BAFTA for Boy A) can be described as nothing but brilliant in this role.  His character, despite his crimes, is instantly likable.  You see the fear and regret in his eyes, and with flashbacks, you begin to understand (possibly even empathise) why he and another boy were driven to kill.  Jack’s innocence with girls and drugs is endearing and his want for a fresh start is heartbreaking. 

Jack’s parole officer and father figure is Terry, played by Peter Mullan.  The film shows Terry’s love for Jack, and his amazement at his turning his life around.  Sadly, Terry’s son is jealous of Jack, and all the ‘kids’ like Jack that his father has chosen over him, and sets out to expose who Jack really is. 

This film really has the possibility to change people’s perception of prisoners – in particular child murderers.  It’s a tragic, heart wrenching, poignant film that should definitely be watched.

The Sydney Film Festival is showing from June 4 – June 22, 2008.