The Boys

The filmmakers of "The Boys" get so deep inside the blamings and self pity of humanity's monsters, you could almost miss the culpability of the ineffectual women who enable them to grow up into walking catastrophes. The events of this film, set off by the first day of parole for angry young headcase Brett Sprague, lead to a decision so horribly wrong-headed and repellent, that a suspended moment of nothing but a black screen is one of the most excruciating pregnant pauses in the history of films. Up to this point, there's a kitchen sink drama like almost no other (Gary Oldman's "Nil By Mouth" a close cousin, but not nearly as upsetting) and lacerating performances by the cast and crew - The sound designer gets a deserved opening credit.

It appears that this movie was well appreciated in Australia, but had an abortion of a release here in the US. Now that it's on video, it's one of the best lost gems you're likely to score this year.

While you watch this surprisingly short film, again, you are reminded, it's not quality, not quantity, and The Boys is a jarringly intense masterpiece of scenes, that seem handpicked, as they are all potent, with some truly claustrophobic moments. One reason, evidently stands out: David Wenham, as one of three ex cons, good for nothing brothers, who's just got out of the nick. The telling of this story moves back and forth, so don't try and think, just enjoy this blessed experience of high calibre acting, Lynette Curran up there with Wenham, as the much suffering mother, while Toni Collette relishes in a role in what you would call her most sexiest, as Wenham's loud mouthed girlfriend. This is basically a domestic drama, but the film's magic, is in how the story's utilized, so tight knit, a no holed drama, which is at times, is so confrontingly real, especially in Wenham's performance. The fantastic Another Hayes plays the weak, unhinged, patsy sort of brother, kind of reminding you a bit of him, in Suburban Mayhem, where he also played a, good for nothing loser. John Polson, seems the most together brother, you so want him to get his life on track, and leave with his girlfriend, sugar mummy, of higher class, but, his brothers mean too much to him. The film with it's dark music scores, and fade outs, that work perfectly for this film, mirrors real life, with an all too realness, in a chilling, engrossing watch, that sadly runs shorter than you want it too, it's last scene, memorably scarring. One Oz movie experience, which again does us proud, joining that section of fine Oz films.

Rowan Wood's film The Boys is a cracking little drama from Australia, driven by some excellent performances and notable for an early appearance from David Wenham & Toni Collette on screen together before they hit it big over in the states.

This film is intense, taken as a slow burning drama it works incredibly well as a portrait of a working class Australian family tearing itself apart over the course of a single day. It culminates in an ending that leaves the viewer cold, featuring intertwined cut-scenes strewn throughout the film which show later consequences only serving to intensify the lack of resolution and bleakness present as the credits start to roll.

As a director Rowan Woods adds some nice touches though the main focus of the film is on developing the characters present. The opening sequences feature an almost surrealistic focus on an everyday Australian household setting and the objects within it, something quite unknown to me in the realms of film which sets a spooky tone to the minimalist soundtrack composed by The Necks. Grainy shots of the city at night between sequences further this, capturing perfectly the maudlin vibes I know so well.

The Boys is a very well made film, one of the most accomplished dramas to have come out of Australia. Being born on these shores personally and having known people who live like this it becomes all the more relevant. It is bleak but despite this there is an uneasy humor throughout, the plight of the ultimately pathetic characters striking an ambiguity where you don't know whether to laugh or feel disturbed.

This is life... is it not?

This is acting at its best! Although confrontational, "The Boys" serves as a reminder that society is made up of many characters including those less than endearing in "The Boys". Brilliant ensemble acting including a stand out performance by David Wenham gives this movie the edge above the normal urban society story.

You don't often see acting like this in movies. It puts the academy awards into perspective. So said Roger Ebert in his review in Once Were Warriors. And the same applies here. David Wenham is simply jaw droppingly good in his portrayal of an unhinged, resentful and cold hearted man who sets out on a mission, intentional or not, to drive away anyone even remotely close to him. He has nothing but calculated cruelty in his words and his actions, only wanting to drop everyone to a lower level than him and give him power. Power that masks his deep insecurity and self loathing. It is simply the best acting performance I have seen in an Australian movie. Every supporting character is equally as engaging, especially John Polson as his clueless brother. Funny how a small movie mainly set in one house and based on a stage play stays with you far longer than a big budget Hollywood pic. Sometimes all you need is interesting characters and a strong script to make its mark. You will be glued to the screen from start to finish.