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Poster for A Good Boy

A Good Boy

Seen it?

2008 | 90 min | Drama

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants something that moves them and anyone who likes a story with emotional weight. It's about loss, handled with care rather than melodrama.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 30 min. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

After his mother's death, 17-year-old Sven moves in with his dad Achim, a taxi driver, who had divorced his mother several years earlier. It is not easy for Achim to get used to an adolescent around the house, especially since Sven hardly speaks to him. But Sven does well in school, and Achim hopes that time will bring them closer together. It is Achim's girlfriend Julia who first senses that something is wrong with Sven. Why, she wonders, does he always hang around with young boys? Why does not he have any friends his own age? She suspects that he is gay. The truth, however, is somewhat more nuanced - and chilling: Sven has pedophile tendencies. Proof is soon found on videos that shock and sicken Achim. Sven himself is shattered and regrets his actions. Julia suggests therapy, but Achim is convinced that he and Sven can handle this together. But he is wrong. Though Sven practically begs his father to lock him up in his room, Achim has confidence in his son.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

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Cast & crew

Directed by Torsten C. Fischer

  • Klaus J. BehrendtAchim
  • Sebastian UrzendowskySven
  • Gabriela Maria SchmeideJulia
  • Sandro LohmannPatrick
  • Martin BrambachRalf Bechler
  • Bernd Michael LadeRonald
  • Matthias BrennerDieter
  • Ulrike BliefertFrau Kleedörfer
  • Astrid MeyerfeldtDoris
  • Ursina LardiPatricks Mutter