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Boy A

2008·Movie
1h 46min·R
79
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.5Metacritic757.9Rotten Tomatoes88%87%
IMDb7.5Metacritic757.9Rotten Tomatoes88%87%

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Boy A fingerprint

Strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Violence4
  • Adrenaline3

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy8
  • Coming of Age8

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Cringe Humor3
  • Dark Humor3

World

Everyday modern life, the mind, and growing up

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout performances and characters

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Intrigue8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting mood

Find more like it

Suspense moviesPsychological moviesMelancholic moviesAtmospheric movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Who decides who gets a second chance?

Freed after a lengthy term in a juvenile detention center, convicted child killer Jack Burridge finds work as a deliveryman and begins dating co-worker Michelle. While out on the road one day, Jack notices a distressed child, and, after reuniting the girl with her family, becomes a local celebrity. But when a local newspaper unearths his past, Jack must cope with the anger of citizens who fear for the safety of their children.
Psychological DramaRedemption StorySocial StigmaChildhood TraumaCharacter StudyBleak RealismIntense ActingBritish CinemaMoral Dilemma

Crew

Directed by:
John Crowley
Written by:
Mark O'Rowe, Jonathan Trigell
Produced by:
Liza Marshall, Fiona Weir, Lynn Horsford
Composed by:
Jack Stew, Jason Swanscott, Paddy Cunneen

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Boy A

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Boy A legally?

PrimePeacockKanopyHooplaFandango at Home FreeAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsLionsgate+Peacock Premium+

Boy A is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and Peacock Premium+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Fandango at Home Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Boy A worth watching?

79
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Boy A rated?

RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagerySuicide themes

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.

How long is Boy A?

1 h 46 min

Boy A runs 1 h 46 min.

Is Boy A based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on Boy A?

Critics82
Audiences80

Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see Boy A much the same way.

What language is Boy A in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch Boy A?

26ARATAUBECACHCLCODEDKESFIFRGB+12

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Boy A in 26 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Boy A use?

Anti-HeroDark and Troubled PastDriven to SuicideCountry MattersReformed, but RejectedVery Loosely Based on a True StoryThe SociopathEarn Your Happy EndingTragic VillainKarmic DeathThe ScapegoatAll for Nothingand 3 more

TV Tropes lists 15 storytelling tropes for Boy A, including Anti-Hero, Dark and Troubled Past, Driven to Suicide.