⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 4

Stephen Graham stars as Chris in this film, which premiered in cinemas earlier this year in March. Chris kidnaps Tommy, an antisocial criminal who posts his crimes online via social channels. Chained in a basement, the film follows Chris’s attempts to rehabilitate and reform Tommy (Anson Boon).

The opening sequence vividly depicts Tommy’s chaotic, fast-paced, and morally corrupt life, starkly contrasting with the rehabilitation efforts led by Chris and his wife, Kathryn (played brilliantly by Andrea Riseborough). While some light-hearted moments are present, the drama takes a mysterious turn, delving into black comedy and thriller territory to create many surreal moments.

This highly watchable film, built on an unusual premise, swiftly covers its 110-minute runtime. The story and pacing is good, as Tommy settles into life with Chris and his family, a shift is clearly coming. Tommy seems reformed and Chris believes he’s a good guy, but when and who will reveal their true personalities? It is quite the British film: a little weird, wonderfully different, and capped off with an unexpected and satisfying ending.

Stephen Graham and Anson Boon are both excellent, supported by a small cast under the direction of Jan Komasa. Filmed on location in Yorkshire with studio scenes shot in Poland.

Overall, particularly if you are a Stephen Graham fan or enjoy dark British comedy-dramas with unexpected turns, this is well worth a watch.

Directed by Jan Komasa, The Good Boy follows Tommy (Anson Boon), a vile, antisocial teenage criminal who documents his bullying and abuse online, until he is suddenly kidnapped off the street after a night out by a mild-mannered stranger named Chris (Stephen Graham). Imprisoned and chained in the basement of a remote family home, Tommy is subjected to an eccentric, highly unorthodox, and psychologically punishing regimen of “social rehabilitation” enforced by Chris and his reclusive family. As the harrowing captivity blurs the lines between torment and therapy, Tommy slowly modifies his behavior and earns a degree of trust, only for the psychological power dynamic to twist in deeply unsettling directions by the time he finally tastes freedom.

Online synopsis 

Film Rating

Music/Sound

3 out of 5

Story/plot

4 out of 5

Acting/Performances

4 out of 5

Overall

4 out of 5

Certification: 15
Running time: 110 minutes
Screening type: 4K