Title: The Boy
Age: 15
Released: 22nd January 2016
Director: William Brent Bell
Genre: Horror
Rating: *** (3/5 stars)
About: An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.
Review: I actually did quite enjoy this film. However, I had a few issues with it.
Everyone who knows me knows that I (for whatever reason) really enjoy horror movies – so I’ve seen my fair share. So with that in mind, it does take a lot to surprise me. I still jump at scary parts and worry when I take my dogs for a walk at night when it’s dark and late and I’m by myself.
That being said, I don’t think I would really class this as a horror because it didn’t scare me. There might be one scene where the doll’s head moves that could be classed as freaky, but honestly, it was a bit predictable.
I mean why on earth did Greta decide to stay in the house once she found out that it was only a doll (and not an actual living boy) and then secondly, not being fussed when all the ‘creepy’ things occur. Like being locked in the attic? That would have freaked me so much if I was in her situation. But no she wanted to and take the old people’s money (this isn’t explicitly said but why else would she willingly look after a doll?).
There was one scene that I really liked, which was when the doll was broken and then everything started shaking and then the mirror broke and the music for that scene really worked well.
The ending is somewhat predictable, or at least it’s easy to guess that there is something more going on but I won’t say anything further so as not to spoil the film. The ending, though, does have a nice little twist which I do feel is necessary for the film to not have a boring end.
The first half of the film is great, there’s a sense of mystery that surrounds the doll, but the second becomes somewhat of a lull.
It is still worth a watch and I’ll probably re-watch it at some point in the future, but I wouldn’t say that its’s the greatest horror film.
CastlesandTurrets 