Boy

Boy tells the story of the eponymous 11 year old New Zealander and his younger brother, Rocky. Effectively ophaned by their criminal father, Alamein, and the death of their mother, they live with cousins and their grandmother in extreme poverty. But the return of their dad forces them to reconsider their position, both in regard to each other, and how they have built up legends surrounding their absent father.

It's a fairly standard story of family values and growing up, but packaged so beautifully and thoughtfully (even the website is a dream) and given director Taika Waititi's particular stamp. If you're not sure quite what that is, consider Eagle vs Shark (trailer here) or Taika's episode for the hit HBO series, Flight of the Conchords (little clip from his episode here). It's a certain quirkiness, but more than that, a reconsideration of some of the obvious themes (love for EvS, family for Boy) from a detailed, unexpected perspective. The trailer really doesn't do justice to the range of emotions this film stirs. Boy (Rolleston) and Rocky (Eketone-Whitu) have brilliant fraternal chemistry, while Waititi as Alamein is a delight, pure and simple. But to rave about them is, unfortunately, selling short a sensitive, multi-layered film that uses humour not just to entertain but also to elucidate and quietly poke fun at its protagonists. 

Boy lives in his own dream world; but why shouldn't he, if it gets him through the harsh times of caring for his siblings and struggling without guidance? He's a strange one but takes himself entirely seriously, yet not for moment did I feel as though I was mocking him with my laughter, especially after the arrival of his father and the realisation that Alamein has had far more influence on his sons that he ever wanted.

Beautifully shot, carefully put together and interwoven with moments of heartbreak and magic, Boy is an underrated joy definitely worth your time.

~~~
2010
James Rolleston, Te Aho Aho Eketone-Whitu, Taika Waititi
written and dir. Taika Waititi