The Boys
Seen it?1998 | 86 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved American History X or Scum, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
Brett, out of prison on parole, returns to his family home to catch up with his mother and brothers. The day takes a bad turn when the brothers start drinking and doing drugs, embarking on a night that they will have difficulty living down.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Berlin award.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 24K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
American History X
Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved prison drama.
Starred Up
Sunday Safe BetAnother prison drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Scum Saturday SpecialAnother prison drama.
Bronson Saturday SpecialAnother prison drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Proposition Sunday Safe BetAlso stars David Wenham, in another drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Rowan Woods
- David WenhamBrett Sprague
- Toni ColletteMichelle
- Lynette CurranSandra Sprague
- John PolsonGlenn Sprague
- Anthony HayesStevie Sprague
- Jeanette CroninJackie
- Anna Lise PhillipsNola
- Pete SmithGeorge
- Sal SharahNick
- Lawrence WoodwardJailer