The 1993 killing of a toddler by a pair of 10-year old boys—one of the most notorious crimes in modern British history—obviously served as the inspiration for John Crowley's Boy A (although the victim here is an older schoolgirl), but the focus is not on the crime, but rather the aftermath. Specifically, the film follows the story of one of the boys (the other was killed in prison) released from jail after coming of age. Under the assumed name of Jack Burridge, the lad tries to make a life for himself with the help of a dedicated social worker (Peter Mullan). Andrew Garfield, who may remind viewers of a young Anthony Perkins, is touching as the frightened young man reintegrating into society—securing a job, making friends, and engaging in his first romance. But when Jack becomes a local hero after saving the life of a young girl, the unwanted publicity endangers the secret of his true identity. Boy A is a powerful, poignant film about forgiveness—not merely the difficulty people have in forgiving perpetrators of heinous acts, but also the struggle that criminals face in forgiving themselves. A bleak, but emotionally searing movie that effectively raises questions about juvenile rehabilitation, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Boy A
Weinstein, 106 min., R, DVD: $24.99, Oct. 7 Volume 23, Issue 6
Boy A
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