The Boy

First, let me say that this film is very underrated because of those that don't appreciate psycho/social storyline building that does not have instant gratification. If you are one of those then move on- you wont appreciate this understated and psychological story.

The story shows how the pain, anger and isolation of a frustrated young boy can create just the right recipe for a Sociopath. It presents a story that is realistic and chilling as you watch the progression of the boy's desperation and thus psychosis taking hold of him. The atmosphere is quietly horrifying as you feel the constant loss and emptiness that surrounds this boy and the way it understandably sets the stage for his survival. He needs to get out of there and get away, but is becoming more and more socially awkward do to the isolation and heavy depression that surrounds him. This creates an emotional numbness that leads him to distract himself with creating drama and destruction around him until he finally decides to find his opportunity to escape by any means necessary.

The reviewers who disliked this movie didn't understand it. It's more European in its pacing and story arc, not for the simple-minded or those who do no outside reading. It is the best movie I've yet seen on the genesis of a sociopath and murderer, but it'a "quiet" film and assumes the viewer may know at least SOMEthing about one of the biggest topics of the last 50 years, serial murderers, and how they got that way. This boy has no guidance or love, his father is too wounded to notice or be of any real help. David Morse is always good, and Rainn Wilson's performance was revelatory.

I liked The Boy and have been recommending it to people I know who will "get" it. It gave me the creeps.

Brilliant acting and a near accurate portrayal of the development of a psychopath

I watched this film by accident (thinking it was another film with the same title) and was drawn into the story from the very first shot.

This is a film that has been crafted - a rarity in US film making nowadays. Each shot carefully considered and in tune with the development of the characters as we get to understand their story and who they are.

I am not a fan of child actors, many of whom fall short of portraying strong characters. This kid in this film (Jared Breeze) is definitely an exception. His portrayal of the boy is natural, believable, and very, very strong.

The other actors are just as strong, which brings us a well rounded interaction between them that is as realistic as it could be without being there.

It is a film you have to watch - and not glance at occasionally. The story and the cinematography do the rest to make this one of the best films I have seen in a long time.

What's with the bad reviews ? For an offbeat kind of slasher film but not really .... yes it's dismal and shabby and possibly only 1 likable character (basically we see the lowest of humanity) and lousy parenting lousy kid lousy life lousy motel lousy infrequent guests most of whom are glad to check out .. but the prom invasion at the end trumps all for ugly and vulgar. A nice combination. So when bad things happen to rotten people with whom we have no emotional investment, it's not as difficult to take. No emotional investment is not to say the acting is bland or the dialogue shallow -to the contrary. The characterization is good - we really get to know these people very well (too well) which means we aren't manipulated into grieving any we lose. I had no idea what this film was about-I found it on SciFi Demand and I love to see an independent film. The cinematography the colors the mountains the dust -it's all fantastic. This is no crappy production. It's creepy and I'm glad it's a little over the top to make the story 'lighter' where I needed it anyway. Exaggerated-that's the right word .. It felt short not sweet. I was moved enough to yell commands at the characters and I watched right to the bitter (and perfect) end . PS No resemblance to Psycho! This one is more believable, less of a farce yet still can be taken lightly. I'd say it must be taken lightly in fact. They're both suspenseful and captivating, If that's a commonality. When I saw a review that mentioned Psycho 'where it was done better' ? No I don't think this movie 'set out to do' anything ... nor to resemble Psycho excerpt superficially. I believe some films stand alone. Yes in that way they are similar in that they are not.

I would advise viewers to ignore most of the critic reviews on this one. I was engrossed from start to finish. There are no car chases and no fancy plot twists, but The Boy is a thoroughly enthralling film about a young boy who not only is dealing with a lot of boredom living at and running a remote motel with his father, but is also experiencing a good deal of anger and angst over the fact that his mother left them.

The actors were outstanding, and I was impressed by the character development. Some have complained that the movie is "too slow," but I think the pace captures the boy's experience quite well, and offers up chilling dinner table fodder. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a solid psychological thriller.