Martin Owen dips into the book of Tim Burton for his latest film, The Loneliest Boy in the World, from Well Go Entertainment. After his mother’s sudden death and due to his father walking out on him, Oliver (Max Harwood) lives alone. One day his social workers, Julius (Evan Ross) and Margot (Ashley Benson), make a routine visit informing the sheltered and unsocialized teenager that he needs to make new friends.
Oliver decides that literally digging a few up might be his best bet. However, when he awakens the morning after his excavating escapades, he discovers that his newly acquired friends have mysteriously come to life overnight. Thus launching them all into a series of misadventures as they try to keep their secret safe from neighbors, classmates, and social workers.
The Loneliest Boy in the World has a screenplay by Piers Ashworth, who clearly has an appreciation for the sitcoms of the Golden Area of television. Susan Wokoma and Ben Miller portray Oliver’s new parents, Susanne and Frank, while Zeobia Williams portrays the wise-cracking kid sister Mel. However, the first person that Oliver digs up is Mitch (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), who steps into the role of cooler older brother/best friend.
One of the first things I want to point out about the film is the quirkiness vibe which, in essence, gives the film a vibe that you will either like or won’t. As I alluded to earlier, Tim Burton vibes fill the movie, as do eighties teen film cliches. It is inevitable that Oliver will learn how to stand up for himself and sweep his girl off her feet at a Halloween party. This same party will feature his new family members wearing masks that look like Alf since that is Oliver’s favorite show. Thankfully Max Harwood can carry the film in the manner required. I was also fond of the supporting cast that made up the film, particularly Evan Ross, who needs to tap into more bad-guy roles.
Using the standard sitcom format and extending it for 90 minutes, The Loneliest Boy in the World is a straightforward film with a simple yet charming story. It uses its plot to give us a different view of the nuclear family. Furthermore, it offers our hero a growth arc through his imagination.
Final Grade: C+
The Loneliest Boy in the World is in limited theaters on October 14 and on digital on October 18.
Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza reunites with director Alex Garland for another war film, Warfare, from A24. Mendoza and Garland also co-wrote the movie based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq War as a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Set in 2006 and shot in real-time, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs on a mission through the insurgent territory.
Director Tracie Laymon examines the significance of friendship in her latest film, Bob Trevino Likes It, produced by Roadside Attractions. Laymon also authored the screenplay, which draws inspiration from a genuine friendship she cultivated with a stranger while conducting an online search for her father.
Director Alex Scharfman delivers a unique film for his debut in Death of a Unicorn from A24. Elliot (Paul Ridd) is a lawyer headed to a weekend retreat looking to close a big deal for his billionaire bosses Odell (Richard E. Grant) and Belinda (Téa Leoni). Along for the ride is his college-aged daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega), with whom he’s looking to reconnect following the death of their matriarch and before she leaves for college.