Handsome Devil
2017 · Directed by John Butler
Original language: English
- drama
- comedy
The story
A music-mad 16-year-old outcast at a rugby-mad boarding school forms an unlikely friendship with his dashing new roommate.
What it’s like
Warm Irish daylight through dormitory windows, muddy green rugby pitches under grey skies, and a bright, gently lit palette that softens into candlelit warmth in the quieter scenes. The camera stays close and conversational, with plenty of two-shots and reaction framing that lets awkward silences breathe, and the score leans on acoustic guitar and tender, melodic pop that lifts the mood without overwhelming it. It feels like a sunny-but-tender afternoon: funny, heartfelt, and hopeful, with a cozy, low-key emotional register rather than anything heavy. The story follows two boys who slowly move from wary distance into real trust, with the friendship's growth carrying most of the warmth. Intensity is moderate: there are bullying and homophobic jibes that sting, a few rough scuffles and rugby tackles, and one tense moment of cruelty, but no gore and no explicit content, and the sadder beats land emotionally rather than graphically. It suits a rainy weekend, a comfort rewatch, or anyone who wants a coming-of-age story with humour and a sincere, queer-affirming heart. It is for viewers who enjoy gentle, character-driven stories about friendship finding its footing in unlikely places.
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