Watch Handsome Devil

Handsome Devil is a coming-of-age movie that explores themes of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance. The film stars Fionn O'Shea as Ned, a 16-year-old boy who is sent to an all-boys boarding school in Ireland. Ned is not like the other boys at the school: he is sensitive, artistic, and doesn't fit in with the macho culture of the rugby team.

Ned's roommate, Conor (Nicholas Galitzine), is the star player on the rugby team, and the two boys initially clash. However, they soon develop a close friendship based on their shared love of music. As the rugby team prepares for the big championship game, tensions escalate between the players and the rest of the school, and Ned and Conor find themselves caught in the middle.

The film is directed by John Butler, who also wrote the screenplay. The story is told from Ned's perspective, with his voiceover narration providing insight into his thoughts and feelings. The cinematography is beautiful, with stunning shots of the Irish countryside and the school's Gothic architecture.

The performances in Handsome Devil are excellent across the board. O'Shea is outstanding as Ned, capturing the character's vulnerability and uncertainty with sensitivity and nuance. Galitzine is equally impressive as Conor, bringing depth and complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional jock character. The supporting cast is also strong, with Ardal O'Hanlon and Amy Huberman shining as the school's headmaster and English teacher, respectively.

One of the strengths of Handsome Devil is how it portrays the relationship between Ned and Conor. While the two boys bond over their love of music, the film doesn't shy away from the fact that they come from very different worlds. Conor is the popular athlete with a supportive family, while Ned is the outsider with a troubled home life. The film explores how their friendship challenges both of them to question their assumptions and preconceptions about each other.

At its core, Handsome Devil is a film about acceptance. Ned is navigating the difficult terrain of adolescence, struggling to find his place in a world that often feels hostile and unwelcoming. However, the film is also about the ways in which we can find connections and common ground with those who are different from us. Ned and Conor's friendship is a powerful example of how we can bridge divides and break down barriers.

Overall, Handsome Devil is an excellent film that tackles important themes with sensitivity and depth. It is a compelling coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has felt like an outsider or struggled to find their identity. The film is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of embracing our differences. Highly recommended.

Handsome Devil is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 60.