The Holy Boy

Name: The Holy Boy
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Fantasy
Released: 2025-09-17
Cast: Michele Riondino, Giulio Feltri, Paolo Pierobon, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Roberto Citran

2025 | 122 min | Thriller, Drama, Fantasy

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and fantasy fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Tense.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
What might put you off: It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A PE teacher moves to a isolated mountain village where the people appear to live in unshakeable serenity, but soon stumbles across a disturbing ritual. Once a week, the locals are freed of their pain by a lonely boy born with the power to heal one's soul just by hugging them. Trying to rescue him from this madness, the man unleashes his dark side.