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Poster for Boy A

Boy A

Who decides who gets a second chance?

2008 · 1h 46m · R Crime, Drama
Directed by John Crowley

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Overview

Freed after a lengthy term in a juvenile detention center, convicted child killer Jack Burridge finds work as a deliveryman and begins dating co-worker Michelle. While out on the road one day, Jack notices a distressed child, and, after reuniting the girl with her family, becomes a local celebrity. But when a local newspaper unearths his past, Jack must cope with the anger of citizens who fear for the safety of their children.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
88%
Tomatometer
Fresh

It makes us feel sympathy for the devil.

Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
Fresh

Director John Crowley, a veteran Irish theater director now working in film, is deliberate with every last element of his film.

Christy DeSmith, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh

Even its structurally weaker moments give Garfield an opportunity to expand on Jack's physical and mental dislocation. Given Boy A's final floating reel, it's an anchoring performance in every sense of the word.

Kamal Al-Solaylee, Globe and Mail
Fresh

The movie is taut with suspense but culminates in wise resignation as the hero comes to understand he's running from a part of himself.

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Crowley gets a remarkable performance from Andrew Garfield: his Jack is a person who carries guilt with him even when he is trying to override it.

Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic

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