Watch Here Are the Young Men

Here Are the Young Men is a 2020 coming-of-age drama film directed by Eoin Macken, based on the novel of the same name by Rob Doyle. The movie stars Dean-Charles Chapman, Finn Cole, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo in lead roles. The story is set in Dublin, Ireland, in the year 2003, and revolves around a group of four friends- Matthew (Chapman), Rez (Cole), Jen (Taylor-Joy), and Kearney (Walsh-Peelo) who have just finished their leaving school exams. They are now left with a void to fill, and what follows is their journey in search of meaning, purpose, and identity. They soon discover the darker side of life and the harsh reality of adulthood.

Matthew is a sensitive and reserved teenager who struggles to fit in with his peers. He is in love with Jen, his best friend since childhood, but is unable to express it. He finds solace in experimenting with drugs and partying, but soon realizes that this is not what he wants in life. Rez, on the other hand, is an extroverted and careless young man who lives a hedonistic lifestyle, indulging in drugs, alcohol, and women.

Jen is a smart and confident girl who dreams of studying literature in college. She is aware of the world's dark reality but chooses to ignore it and keep herself and her friends distracted with parties and adventures. Kearney is a troubled young man who has a history of mental illness and is struggling to come to terms with his past. He is often bullied by Rez, who is his roommate, and is also in love with Jen.

As the four friends venture out into the world, they encounter different experiences that shake their beliefs and challenge their perspectives. Matthew witnesses a fatal car accident and feels overwhelmed by the fragility of life, while Rez is introduced to an underground fight club that tests his machismo. Jen meets a young writer who introduces her to a more intellectual and artistic lifestyle, and Kearney grapples with his inner demons and tries to find a sense of purpose.

Here Are the Young Men is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of friendship, love, nihilism, and the search for meaning. The movie is shot in a stylized and visually striking manner, with saturated colors and surrealistic imagery. The director makes use of music, voice-over, and dream sequences to enhance the film's emotional impact and create a sense of disorientation, mirroring the characters' own confusion and disillusionment.

Dean-Charles Chapman delivers a nuanced and subtle performance as Matthew, showcasing his character's vulnerability and sensitivity. Finn Cole is charismatic and dynamic as Rez, bringing a sense of danger and unpredictability to the role. Anya Taylor-Joy, as always, is a standout, portraying Jen as a complex and multi-dimensional character with her own flaws and desires. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, in his breakout role, is a revelation, infusing Kearney with a melancholic and haunting presence.

The movie has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual style and performances while others criticizing its lack of depth and coherence. However, Here Are the Young Men is a provocative and daring film that takes risks and challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. It is a coming-of-age story that defies conventions and norms, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of youth in revolt.

Here Are the Young Men is a 2021 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7 and a MetaScore of 49.