Boy

This short is such an intriguing piece. Dark, engaging, mysterious, thrilling, beautiful. The script is genius. It hooks you in, and flips you every way possible. The effortless direction is masterful. From the sculptured performances to the tantalizing images. Is it no wonder then this film has won awards. Well done to all those involved.

I had a visceral reaction to this film the first time I saw it. I really wasn't sure whether or not I liked it, but I knew it was a powerful piece of writing, a bold statement and a well-crafted bit of cinema. On second viewing I really liked it a lot. And I was able to take in the nuances, appreciate the care taken in the direction and editing, as well as the music and design. For me this is the sign of a really good work (in any medium), when the initial intensity in experiencing the work far exceeds any thoughts on how the work was crafted.

A dark little story well made and well told. You don't immediately see where it is going but it has a great creepy feeling as it slowly becomes clear. Well worth seeing if you can.

I didn't know what was going on at first. I think this director loves stringing you along, revealing bits and pieces at a time. It works so well - as I put it together it made it so satisfying to figure out what was happening and what it all meant.

Then comes the crucial moment and woah! Didn't see that coming! This is a fabulous commentary on what can go on inside men's heads in regard to women. I thoroughly recommend it.

I first attended a screening of Boy at a short film festival, where it was clearly an audience favourite as well as being of outstanding quality.

The premise is extraordinary, forcing you to re-examine behaviour and communication between the sexes. Boy challenges its audiences comfort levels; portraying compelling characters who navigate the world of sexual tension, social interaction and discovery while painting a seedy and very dark side to the world of dating.

Glenn Fraser's direction was mature and insightful. This is a director to watch out for. Check out his other films if you get the chance. Chris Wheeler's writing is outstanding, if you have the chance to see anything else he has written, don't miss out.