The Good Son
Plot
The Good Son is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a young boy named Henry Evans (Elijah Wood) who goes to stay with his aunt, Margaret (Joan Allen), and uncle, Lewis (Ian Holm), in their idyllic coastal home. Henry's arrival is met with enthusiasm by his cousin, Elliott (Macaulay Culkin), who is the same age as Henry. Initially, the two boys hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared interests and sense of adventure. However, as the days go by, Elliott begins to exhibit increasingly erratic and disturbing behavior. He becomes obsessed with his uncle's old military medals and starts to show a fascination with explosives and violence. Despite these red flags, Henry is drawn to Elliott's charismatic nature and the two boys grow closer. As Elliott's behavior becomes more and more bizarre, Henry starts to notice that something is amiss. He begins to uncover dark secrets about Elliott's past and his own family's troubled history. Meanwhile, Margaret and Lewis are oblivious to their son's descent into madness, too caught up in their own marital problems and personal struggles. As the tension builds, Henry finds himself trapped between his loyalty to his cousin and his growing sense of unease. He tries to confront Elliott about his behavior, but is met with resistance and hostility. In a shocking climax, Elliott's psychosis reaches a boiling point, leading to a violent and devastating confrontation that will leave only one person standing. The Good Son is a gripping and unsettling thriller that explores the darker side of childhood innocence and the devastating consequences of unchecked madness. With its eerie atmosphere, complex characters, and heart-pumping suspense, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Reviews
Scarlett
Oh my god, that final cliffhanger scene was absolutely breathtaking!
Valeria
Back in the day, bootleg DVD vendors lumped this movie in with 20 others under the "Home Alone" banner. I went in expecting a comedy and got a thriller instead. After watching it, I was baffled by how evil this kid could be... it cast a shadow over my young mind for a while. I remember the young actor giving a great performance, though.
Gracie
When Henry pushed his sister into the icy water, the composure and tranquility on his face as he leaned over, feigning rescue, were utterly shocking to me. I still remember watching it on LaserDisc back then.
Everly
Ah, I remember back in the day when you rented discs, and I devoured every Macaulay Culkin film I could find. The film titles were always piggybacking on "Home Alone," trying to cash in on that success. But this one... this one genuinely shocked me. And to think, it was marketed as another lighthearted romp with a title like "Home Alone Again" – talk about misleading the audience! It was anything *but* that.
Lola
With more attention to detail and a deeper exploration of the reasons behind Henry's psychopathy, I would have given it 5 stars. I can't stand Elijah Wood's perpetually worried, little-adult demeanor. In comparison, Macaulay Culkin, though also embodying precociousness, is genuinely terrifying.
Thiago
A coming-of-age tale that explores the complexities of family, trust, and the dark shadows cast by secrets. When a young boy stays with his aunt and uncle, he discovers that life isn't always as it seems, especially when his cousin begins to show signs of a disturbing mental state. A haunting exploration of loyalty and the fragile nature of family bonds.