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The New Boy

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The New Boy

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Summary

Fantasy drama starring Cate Blanchett and Aswan Reid. In 1940s Australia, a young Aboriginal boy is delivered to a remote monastery presided over by imperious Sister Eileen. She feels threatened when it becomes apparent that the boy has special powers, and faces a choice between following her Christian faith or accepting the less orthodox spirituality he embodies.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Amber Wilkinson

Impressive newcomer Aswan Reid is fantastic as the unnamed Aboriginal boy in this beautifully mounted fantasy drama from Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah, Sweet Country). Bundled into a sack, the child is deposited in the dead of night at a monastery, where he is charged with educating orphans and runaways. This remote outpost is also harbouring a secret. After the death of their priest, it is being run by Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett, on fiery form), with the help of Sister Mum (Deborah Mailman) and a handyman (Wayne Blair) who sees a glint of his old self in the child. It turns out the new kid has a secret, too, including healing powers that manifest as a ball of light. The boy's special abilities give the film a moody fairy tale edge, although the rough and tumble of life at the monastery keeps things rooted in reality. Thornton cranks the tension nicely, too, as the youngster's natural spirituality pushes Sister Eileen - and her faith - to breaking point.

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5.6/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameNew BoyAswan ReidSister EileenCate BlanchettSister MumDeborah MailmanGeorgeWayne BlairMichaelShane Mckenzie-BradyMatthewTyrique Brady

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Crew

rolenameDirectorWarwick Thornton

Details

Theatrical distributor

Signature

Released on

2024-03-15

Languages

English

Guidance

violence, swearing.

Formats

Colour

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