There have been terrorist attacks across the city of London, and far too many people are dying as a result. As a man is being groomed to perform the next attack, there is a young boy named Michael (Joshua Griffin) that sees things differently. The Stupid Boy has a different way of thinking, and even though his mother has warned him not to trust everyone, he refuses to give up hope that there is good in everyone.
Griffin is showcased up close and personal throughout the course of The Stupid Boy, and the film is often reliant on him being able to express emotion–but more importantly step into the shoes of the neurodivergent Michael. He is ultimately the key to the film’s success, and he delivers in every possible way throughout the film. His performance doesn’t just enhance the film, but it enhances the viewing experience as well–as every expression, every minor tick that exists throughout his performance is perfect. I’ve worked with individuals like Michael, and I can’t imagine someone playing this role better, of stepping into these very unique shoes and delivering such a powerful performance.
SPOILER ALERT! The Stupid Boy may reach too far in order to express that love and acceptance can do wonderful things. A boy hugging a terrorist suddenly causes a change of heart? I don’t think so. However, I don’t think that Writer-Director Phil Dunn believes this either, as I believe he is attempting to be so extreme that his message is understood. I’m conflicted because so much of The Stupid Boy is honest and real, using that reality to appeal to viewers and allow them to connect with the characters–but this is different. Part of me believes that this instance steals from the legitimacy of the film, and another part tells me to shut up and accept the film’s beauty. I truly believe that Dunn understands how extreme this situation is and that he used it as a way to reach viewers just a bit more, to ensure that they understand both his and The Stupid Boy’s purpose.
The film does extend itself beyond the ideas of love and acceptance. The film’s tagline is “Seeing things differently can be dangerous.” This is an accurate representation of every walk of life. The Stupid Boy treads the line of becoming a cautionary tale–but never fully takes the plunge. Dunn does a spectacular job of expressing a sentiment that is far reaching, that effectively touches so many different people. The tagline may be a small part of the overall film, something that many may not even be aware of, but it’s present in every second of The Stupid Boy–and it’s so important to the production.
The Stupid Boy is far reaching, doing everything that it can to reach viewers from every walk of life–and I think Dunn is successful in his venture. Almost extending itself too far, The Stupid Boy flirts with viewers’ realistic expectations of life, but it remains grounded, honest, and real.
Written & Directed by Phil Dunn.
Starring Joshua Griffin, Derek Elroy, Ellie Piercy, Shaun Mason, Aryana Ramkhalawon, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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