The Good Son

The Good Son, directed by Joseph Ruben, is a 1993 psychological thriller film that tells the story of a young boy named Henry Evans, played by Elijah Wood, who struggles with the darker aspects of human nature. The film begins with Henry staying with his aunt and uncle, Susan (Joan Allen) and Louis (Eli Wallach), in Massachusetts. Henry's mother is not present in the household, which creates a sense of isolation for the young boy. At first, Henry seems to be adjusting well to his new surroundings, but his life takes a drastic turn when he befriends his cousin, Louis's son, Conrad (Macaulay Culkin). The two boys are approximately the same age, which facilitates their bond. However, as time passes, Henry begins to notice changes in Conrad's behavior. He becomes increasingly aggressive, possessive, and manipulative, often lashing out at those around him. Henry's observations are initially dismissed by his aunt and uncle, who believe that Conrad's behavior is just a phase that children go through. However, as Conrad's actions become more erratic, the truth begins to unfold. It becomes evident that Conrad has a severe psychological problem, one that threatens not only Henry's well-being but also that of his family. Conrad's descent into madness is portrayed as a slow and painful process. He begins to exhibit disturbing tendencies, such as being overly aggressive towards animals and engaging in manipulative behavior to get what he wants. It becomes clear that Conrad is not just a troubled child but a genuinely disturbed individual, with no qualms about using violence to achieve his goals. As Henry witnesses Conrad's behavior, he becomes increasingly torn between his loyalty to his cousin and his growing sense of unease. He begins to wonder if there is something fundamentally wrong with Conrad, or if his behavior is a result of the upbringing he received from his parents. Meanwhile, Henry's mother, Laura (Liam Aiken), makes a surprising return, which adds another layer of complexity to the story. Henry's mother has a strained relationship with Conrad's mother, which creates tension in the household. Laura's presence also serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold, as her interactions with Conrad reveal a deeper understanding of his condition. As the story reaches its climax, Henry is faced with a terrifying reality. He is forced to confront the dark truth about Conrad's behavior and the devastating consequences of his actions. The film's conclusion is both shocking and eerie, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the fragility of human psychology and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary families. Throughout The Good Son, the cinematography is notable for its ability to capture the sense of unease and tension that permeates the story. The dark and atmospheric settings, combined with the score, create a sense of foreboding that culminates in a chilling conclusion. Macaulay Culkin gives a performance that is both captivating and unsettling, perfectly capturing the complexity of Conrad's character. Ultimately, The Good Son is a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human nature. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of mental illness and the devastating consequences that can result from it.