BOY A

Directed By John Crowley

Review By Jody Newman

God save the Queen … and you a seat to Boy A!

Ever since Madonna donned her accent, BBC America wound up on my TiVo, and J.K. Rowling kicked some literary butt, all things British have become the name of the game. Okay, maybe I am being flippant. I can’t assume that you have embraced the British Invasion: Special Edition 2008 like I have. But saying that you have, you have to admit that there is a kind of ‘independent’ spirit to the UK brand of entertainment. It always seems devoid of Big-Budget decisions made at the last minute in order to pander to sponsors, special interest groups, or to insure that crucial 18-34 demographic. In fact, I believe that the stories are told the way they were always intended to be, regardless of the Powers-That-Be.

Uh-oh. I began editorializing. Damn me. That wasn’t the point here. I was here to tell you about the BAFTA award winning Boy A, director John Crowley’s harsh tale of a juvenile murderer all grown up and looking to start life anew. As a child, Jack (Andrew Garfield) and another young boy participated in a horrific crime that stunned a community and made national headlines. Now, years later, Jack is paroled, rehabilitated, and getting a second chance. But is society ready to accept his rehabilitation? And should a man solely be defined by one terrible mistake made years earlier?

Based on John Trigell’s novel, Boy A is a work of story-telling genius. Mark O’Rowe’s screenplay never seems to go where you think it is going. It often allows the audience to interpret crucial plot points and moments on their own, practically demanding a late-night Denny’s trip discussion or Coffee house sit-down with a friend following the feature. You have to talk about it. You have to interpret it. And that, my friends, is great story telling.

But any discussion of Boy A would be incomplete without mentioning Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Jack. I used to pride myself in knowing the In’s-n-Out’s of Oscar eligibility. But, ever since Linda Fiorentino was robbed of an actress nomination for The Last Seduction due to a television airing, I have no clue anymore. However, God willing, Andrew Garfield will be recognized for this role in some way or another. He has already won a BAFTA for his portrayal, and I know I would be hard-pressed to find a better performance this year. Garfield portrays ever quality (innocence, fear, panic, joy, love) his character demands with such expertise that you feel you are attending a master-class in Acting. It is a performance that will drop jaws.

Recently The Weinstein Company picked up Boy A for distribution. Be sure to check it out when it comes to a theater near you. But be certain to bring some extra change for that required coffee talk you will have after the credits roll. Hey, who knows, maybe you can wield a British accent when you do it, too!

Note: The best film I have seen so far this year.