Boy A is one of those films that sneaks up on you, like a moose on a cold Swedish morning. At first, you think, “Ah, another redemption story,” but then it starts digging deeper, gets under your skin, and leaves you with that bittersweet aftertaste. You know what I’m talking about, like when you bite into lingonberry jam expecting it to be sweet and it’s got that tart kick to it.

So, we’ve got this Andrew Garfield playing Jack, or Boy A as he’s known, a lad who’s just out of juvie for a crime he committed when he was, what, 10 years old? You can feel his struggle, trying to find his footing in a world that’s not ready to forgive him. Garfield’s performance is raw, almost uncomfortably real. I kept thinking, “Is this really our Spiderman?” Bloody impressive, if you ask me.

The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, flashing back to his childhood and the crime. These moments are like puzzle pieces, slowly fitting together to reveal the whole grim picture. It’s a reminder that the past never really lets you go, does it? And speaking of the past, it reminded me of that time I was caught stealing plommon from old Mrs. Andersson’s garden and had to face the music. Okay, maybe not in the same league as Jack’s crime, but still, feels like a lifetime ago.

But! Here’s the kicker. The film has this mellow, almost melancholic tone, which can feel a bit heavy. And let’s be honest, it’s not the kind of movie you pop on for a cozy Friday night. It’s more like one of those rainy Sunday afternoon films, when you’re in the mood to ponder life’s deeper questions.

It’s beautifully shot, though, with a soundtrack that complements the emotional landscape perfectly. You can almost smell the salty sea air in some scenes. Still, some parts dragged a bit, made me glance at the clock once or twice. But maybe that’s the point? Life drags too, sometimes.

So, if you’re in the mood for a film that makes you think, makes you feel, and maybe even makes you a bit uncomfortable, give Boy A a shot. It’s not perfect, but then again, what is?

Here’s the trailer if you wanna check it out: Boy A