The New Boy is a film that transports the viewer to a different time and place, where the clash of cultures, religions and histories creates a powerful and poignant drama. The film follows the journey of the New Boy (Aswan Reid), a young Aboriginal boy who is orphaned after his parents are killed by white settlers. He is captured by a bounty hunter and delivered to a monastery in the Australian outback, where he meets Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett), a rebellious nun who runs the place with an iron fist. She takes him under her wing, hoping to save his soul and teach him the ways of Christianity. However, the New Boy soon finds himself torn between his ancestral roots and his new faith, as well as between the kindness of Sister Eileen and the cruelty of some of the other nuns and children.
The film is a stunning achievement by writer-director Warwick Thornton, who also serves as the cinematographer and composer. He creates a vivid and immersive world, where the harshness of the landscape contrasts with the beauty of the natural elements. He also uses symbolism and imagery to convey the themes of the film, such as the dry grasses that represent the fragility of life, or the fire that symbolizes both destruction and purification. The film is also enriched by the music of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who provide a haunting and atmospheric score that enhances the mood and emotion of the film.
The film is also driven by the remarkable performances of its cast, especially Reid and Blanchett, who form an unlikely but touching bond. Reid is a revelation as the New Boy, a boy who is curious, resilient and brave, but also confused, lonely and scared. He conveys his character's inner turmoil with subtle expressions and gestures, as well as with his native language. Blanchett is equally impressive as Sister Eileen, a woman who is passionate, compassionate and fierce, but also flawed, conflicted and lonely. She shows her character's complexity and humanity with grace and conviction. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Mailman as Sister Mum, a kind-hearted nun who cares for the children; Blair as George, a friendly Aboriginal man who works at the monastery; and Convery as Ezra, a sickly boy who befriends the New Boy.
The New Boy is a film that will stay with you long after it ends. It is a film that explores the issues of faith, identity, colonialism and racism with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a film that celebrates the resilience and dignity of the Aboriginal people and their culture. It is a film that challenges and inspires the viewer with its depth and its beauty. It is one of Thornton's best films, and one of the best films of the year.
The film is a stunning achievement by writer-director Warwick Thornton, who also serves as the cinematographer and composer. He creates a vivid and immersive world, where the harshness of the landscape contrasts with the beauty of the natural elements. He also uses symbolism and imagery to convey the themes of the film, such as the dry grasses that represent the fragility of life, or the fire that symbolizes both destruction and purification. The film is also enriched by the music of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who provide a haunting and atmospheric score that enhances the mood and emotion of the film.
The film is also driven by the remarkable performances of its cast, especially Reid and Blanchett, who form an unlikely but touching bond. Reid is a revelation as the New Boy, a boy who is curious, resilient and brave, but also confused, lonely and scared. He conveys his character's inner turmoil with subtle expressions and gestures, as well as with his native language. Blanchett is equally impressive as Sister Eileen, a woman who is passionate, compassionate and fierce, but also flawed, conflicted and lonely. She shows her character's complexity and humanity with grace and conviction. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Mailman as Sister Mum, a kind-hearted nun who cares for the children; Blair as George, a friendly Aboriginal man who works at the monastery; and Convery as Ezra, a sickly boy who befriends the New Boy.
The New Boy is a film that will stay with you long after it ends. It is a film that explores the issues of faith, identity, colonialism and racism with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a film that celebrates the resilience and dignity of the Aboriginal people and their culture. It is a film that challenges and inspires the viewer with its depth and its beauty. It is one of Thornton's best films, and one of the best films of the year.