The catastrophe is looming like in a camp horror movie in the opening of this well-acted film about one of our time's biggest taboos, school-shootings. Which is why it doesn't feel like a spoiler revealing that Beautiful Boy explores the aftermath of one such, seen from the point of view of the killer's parents. And through the sensitive, powerful performances of Michael Sheen and Maria Bello, the film manages to stay on the right side of melodrama.
The film received some notice at various film festivals, such as Toronto International Film Festival and San Sebastián International Film Festival, but was a box-office failure.
The film received some notice at various film festivals, such as Toronto International Film Festival and San Sebastián International Film Festival, but was a box-office failure.