Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Handsome Devil is a coming-of-age drama that centers around an unlikely friendship at an all-boys boarding school. Ned Roche (Fionn O’Shea) is a nerdy gay schoolboy with no friends. When new student and star rugby player Conor Masters (Nicholas Galitzine) arrives, he gets roomed with Ned. Ned makes assumptions about Conor and is surprised when Conor not only talks to him, but also sticks up for him.
When Conor arrives at the school, he gets placed on the rugby team and beats up one of his teammates. Because the school needs Conor to turn the rugby team around, he’s able to get away with it. That one fight also cements Conor’s reputation, so nobody dares question his friendship with Ned.
Like most loners, Ned likes to buck the system. He passes in lyrics to old songs his classmates are too young to have heard, and the teachers are too old know about. He gets a chuckle out of it until a new English teacher, Dan Sherry (Andrew Scott), is hired and calls him out.
Despite Ned and Conor being polar opposites, their friendship is believable. Part of that is due to both of them not wanting to be there. That common ground seems to allow each to open up a bit to the other. And Conor shows Ned that despite appearances, he’s also an outsider.
When Conor can’t concentrate during practice, the rugby coach, Pascal (Moe Dunford), assumes it’s because he’s hanging out with Ned. Pascal does some digging and discovers the real reason Conor had to leave his previous school.
The story is too good to ruin, so watch it for yourself to find out what happens.
Some Thoughts:
Much like director John Bulter’s other movie, Papi Chulo, Handsome Devil has a few twists that keep you watching. The cast understands their characters and deliver fine performances. The main story is the friendship between Conor and Ned, which is nuanced and rings true.
Handsome Devil hinges on the friendship between Ned and Conor being believable. Luckily both Galitzine and O’Shea make it work. Galitzine plays Conor with a quiet edge that hints that there’s something more to him. It’s a performance that keeps the viewer invested in the film and his character. It’s also what makes his friendship with Ned credible.
While the story, script, and acting come together for an enjoyable film, there are elements of Handsome Devil that don’t work. Ned’s voiceover isn’t necessary, especially since it doesn’t add anything to the story. In fact, the story would be better without it. Most times he’s stating the obvious. Also, the music feels a bit hokey and oftentimes doesn’t fit the mood.
The Final Verdict:
Despite the poor music choice and the voiceover, Handsome Devil works. The characters and story are interesting and have depth. It’s also refreshing to see a gay movie about friendship and not falling in love. Handsome Devil may not be perfect, but it’s worth watching.
