*********Spoiler Alert************
I had no idea what to expect when I viewed this little gem but was most pleasantly surprised by its depth and insight. The film centres around Oliver; a 13 year old boy who is about to make the transition from boy to teenager when an unexpected tragedy strikes, turning his innocent world upside down. Spencer List carries a great lead role demonstrating sensitivity and though minimalistic in his expression; a vulnerability that accurately conveys the mixed emotions of his character. All this plus a magnetic screen presence that leaves you unable to take your eyes off him. Aida, played by the brilliant Adriana Barraza gives a great support role and the chemistry between the two actors feels so authentic that it creates a sense of empathy in the viewer.
Without giving too much away, this movie takes us through the giddy heights and lows of the transition into adolescence where everything is overly dramatic; love and betrayal; over-confidence and powerlessness; innocence and experience.
The main message however is about the love between a young boy and his nanny and how this love eventually wins out over trauma, shock and confusion eventually bringing a somewhat dysfunctional family closer together. I would definitely recommend a late night watch. 7/10
I had no idea what to expect when I viewed this little gem but was most pleasantly surprised by its depth and insight. The film centres around Oliver; a 13 year old boy who is about to make the transition from boy to teenager when an unexpected tragedy strikes, turning his innocent world upside down. Spencer List carries a great lead role demonstrating sensitivity and though minimalistic in his expression; a vulnerability that accurately conveys the mixed emotions of his character. All this plus a magnetic screen presence that leaves you unable to take your eyes off him. Aida, played by the brilliant Adriana Barraza gives a great support role and the chemistry between the two actors feels so authentic that it creates a sense of empathy in the viewer.
Without giving too much away, this movie takes us through the giddy heights and lows of the transition into adolescence where everything is overly dramatic; love and betrayal; over-confidence and powerlessness; innocence and experience.
The main message however is about the love between a young boy and his nanny and how this love eventually wins out over trauma, shock and confusion eventually bringing a somewhat dysfunctional family closer together. I would definitely recommend a late night watch. 7/10