IMDb RATING
6.0/10
106K
YOUR RATING
An American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is r... Read allAn American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.An American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.
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- 6 nominations total
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This was a pleasant surprise. Extremely effective and unique horror movie. Didn't insult my horror intelligence for a second. Is she going mad? Is this doll haunted? High quality tension throughout. Better then Annabelle and chucky. Should be rated higher.
It is somewhat difficult for me to explain my viewing experience of this film, and in no way do I mean to sound condescending of uppity, so kindly bear with me... Usually, after years of "experience" with a certain hobby, one is able to differentiate objective criticism from lack of personal satisfaction. For me, The Boy is a perfect example, so I'll make sure to separate my personal opinions from what I perceive to be the makings of a fine Horror film.
I've always been a big fan of the Supernatural sub-genre, with a special liking to films portraying evil dolls (films like Dead Silence or Annabelle, NOT Chucky). After watching the trailer for The Boy several months ago, I've been eagerly anticipating its release. As presented in the teasers, the story is original and well told (hats off to screenwriter Stacey Menear), and the jump-scares (while still cheap) are sufficiently few and well made to add the occasional scare without damaging the experience. Music and cinematography are great, as is the acting (especially supporting actors Jim Norton and Diana Hardcastle as Mr. and Mrs. Hillshire).
Now for my problem... the plot twist is smart, surprising and in no way predictable (although some of you might have guessed it from the start, I personally was impressed). It adds a stroke of genius creativity and originality to an otherwise all too known pattern of a film. I just didn't like it... it felt too original, like trying to reinvent the wheel when the wheel works just fine. Objectively - great twist, great ending! In my opinion? A let down.
All in all, the eerie sense of suspense and fear is maintained throughout the entire film, and I would definitely recommend it to other "supernatural dolls" fans. However, personally, I couldn't help but feeling it was ultimately a let-down, and I wouldn't watch it again.
I've always been a big fan of the Supernatural sub-genre, with a special liking to films portraying evil dolls (films like Dead Silence or Annabelle, NOT Chucky). After watching the trailer for The Boy several months ago, I've been eagerly anticipating its release. As presented in the teasers, the story is original and well told (hats off to screenwriter Stacey Menear), and the jump-scares (while still cheap) are sufficiently few and well made to add the occasional scare without damaging the experience. Music and cinematography are great, as is the acting (especially supporting actors Jim Norton and Diana Hardcastle as Mr. and Mrs. Hillshire).
Now for my problem... the plot twist is smart, surprising and in no way predictable (although some of you might have guessed it from the start, I personally was impressed). It adds a stroke of genius creativity and originality to an otherwise all too known pattern of a film. I just didn't like it... it felt too original, like trying to reinvent the wheel when the wheel works just fine. Objectively - great twist, great ending! In my opinion? A let down.
All in all, the eerie sense of suspense and fear is maintained throughout the entire film, and I would definitely recommend it to other "supernatural dolls" fans. However, personally, I couldn't help but feeling it was ultimately a let-down, and I wouldn't watch it again.
NO spoilers
OK, OK, i understand most peoples problems with this flick. It has some gaps, and some missing story elements. I read a couple of reviews, and people complained about things not being explained and impossible scenarios. But this move was super entertaining. I did not want to turn away, it kept me glued, and was fun. What else do you really want from a horror or mystery movie? It was original, and inventive, and the acting was good. Was it a perfect movie, no... but it was definitely worth watching, and if your on the fence about it, don't be, watch it. And i am picky.
OK, OK, i understand most peoples problems with this flick. It has some gaps, and some missing story elements. I read a couple of reviews, and people complained about things not being explained and impossible scenarios. But this move was super entertaining. I did not want to turn away, it kept me glued, and was fun. What else do you really want from a horror or mystery movie? It was original, and inventive, and the acting was good. Was it a perfect movie, no... but it was definitely worth watching, and if your on the fence about it, don't be, watch it. And i am picky.
When an American nanny arrives in a British country home, she discovers she's paid to look after a doll.
I am so surprised to see the relatively low score and number of negative reviews, I was really impressed by this movie, it was original, intelligent and kept me wondering through to the end. I can see why some would dislike it, those perhaps that were expecting a Chucky style film. In fact this film is a cleverly conceived, well crafted thriller. I appreciate some bits are far fetched, such as the ex boyfriend's arrival, and of course the conclusion, but as for being watchable I couldn't take my eyes off it for a second for fear of missing something.
Well acted by all, this is a film I will definitely watch again. 9/10
I am so surprised to see the relatively low score and number of negative reviews, I was really impressed by this movie, it was original, intelligent and kept me wondering through to the end. I can see why some would dislike it, those perhaps that were expecting a Chucky style film. In fact this film is a cleverly conceived, well crafted thriller. I appreciate some bits are far fetched, such as the ex boyfriend's arrival, and of course the conclusion, but as for being watchable I couldn't take my eyes off it for a second for fear of missing something.
Well acted by all, this is a film I will definitely watch again. 9/10
Being Norwegian myself, I love everything English, their rich history and beautiful castles.
This is almost gothic, but set in modern times.
Lauren Cohan plays a nanny who relocates from the US to England to take up a position looking after an elderly couples son. Things become a bit weird immediately when it turns out her new charge is actually a lifesize porcelain doll named Brahms that they treat like their son.
Spooky scenery, gorgeous house, good story and fine enough acting.
I liked it. I did not predict the ending, which is always a plus when watching a movie.
If you must compare doll movies, its much, much better than the first Annabelle movie, (which frankly was awful).
This is almost gothic, but set in modern times.
Lauren Cohan plays a nanny who relocates from the US to England to take up a position looking after an elderly couples son. Things become a bit weird immediately when it turns out her new charge is actually a lifesize porcelain doll named Brahms that they treat like their son.
Spooky scenery, gorgeous house, good story and fine enough acting.
I liked it. I did not predict the ending, which is always a plus when watching a movie.
If you must compare doll movies, its much, much better than the first Annabelle movie, (which frankly was awful).
Did you know
- TriviaCast members actually used the doll ("Brahms") to prank each other on the set. On one occasion, one of the cast members propped the doll up outside of the other actor's bathroom in their trailer to scare them. Upon seeing this, they hurled the doll outside of their trailer and the crew had to repair it and make a replacement doll.
- GoofsThe telephone in the house makes the USA dead tone (blips) rather than the UK dead tone (a continuous tone).
- Quotes
Greta Evans: You wouldn't hurt me, would you, Brahms?
- ConnectionsFeatured in FoundFlix: The Boy (2016) Ending Explained (2016)
- SoundtracksDie Zauberflöte K. 260 Act II: Der Hölle Rache
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra
- How long is The Boy?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- El niño
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $10,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $35,819,556
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $10,778,392
- Jan 24, 2016
- Gross worldwide
- $73,929,392
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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