Here Are the Young Men

Here Are the Young Men, a 2020 film directed by Eoin Macken, is a gritty and profound exploration of youth, masculinity, and the disorienting crossroads of adolescence and adulthood. The film is an adaptation of Rob Doyle's critically acclaimed debut novel of the same name and is marked by a powerful cast that includes Dean-Charles Chapman, Finn Cole, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, and Travis Fimmel. Their performances create a compelling narrative that delves into the chaos of transition and the repercussions of aimlessness in our formative years.

Set in the backdrop of Dublin in 2003, the story revolves around three teenage friends - Matthew (Dean-Charles Chapman), Joseph (Finn Cole), and Rez (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo). These boys have the world sprawled out in front of them but are caught in the grip of adolescence, unsure of how to navigate towards a meaningful future. The trio, having just finished school, face the dangerous infinite horizon of long summer days with an intoxicating mix of fear and excitement. As the responsibility of adulthood looms, they grapple with their identity, the brutality of growing up, and the consequences of their actions that inevitably ripple through the course of their lives.

Matthew, the group's seeming anchor, is played by Dean-Charles Chapman, most widely known for his role in Game of Thrones. His portrayal of youthful confusion is a startling contrast to Finn Cole's Joseph, a friend teetering on the edge of morality, with latent violent tendencies that blur the line between victim and perpetrator. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo’s Rez, meanwhile, showcases personal battles that waver on the edge of existential despair. The interplay between these distinct personalities forms the crux of the plot, churning an undercurrent of darkness that gradually surfaces over the course of the film.

Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative is Anya Taylor-Joy, one of Hollywood's brightest young stars, who plays the role of Jen, Matthew's girlfriend. Jen's character offers a deep and insightful perspective on the boys’ actions and decisions, serving as a shaking mirror that reflects the chauvinist culture the friends unwittingly participate in. The crisis of masculinity and subversion of traditional gender roles are themes skillfully embodied through her convincing performance.

Here Are the Young Men takes a surrealistic turn as well, drawing the audience deeper into the psyche of its characters. This is achieved primarily through an unusual television show within the film that the characters begin to see. The host of the show, played by Travis Fimmel, guides them through a twisted version of their realities, adding a unique element to the narrative which explores the complexity of their personal battles.

The film is visually atmospheric, using shaky handheld shots, fast-paced editing, and distorted images to portray the raw experiences of adolescence. A scene that deserves particular attention is an earth-shattering one involving an accident that becomes a turning point for the lead characters, brilliantly capturing the essence of their loss of innocence.

The haunting soundtrack adds another layer of emotion to the storytelling, perfectly matching the tone of the scenes. From the scarily still streets of Dublin at night to the rush of crowded nightclubs throbbing with energy, the score strikes a fine balance between the boys' exterior lives and their tumultuous internal journeys.

Here Are the Young Men doesn't shy away from painting a realistic, if unsettling, portrait of young men on the cusp of adulthood. It is less of a coming-of-age tale and more of a deep dive into the glimmers of darkness that adolescence can stir within one's soul. Throughout its narrative, the film deftly juggles elements of youth culture, masculinity, societal norms, and the raw confusion that comes with growing up.

In director Eoin Macken's hands, the novel's complex characters and disturbing themes transform into a gripping cinematic experience. Here Are the Young Men takes us on a chilling journey through the relentless scenes of teen life, unabashedly exploring the untamed side of young masculinity while leaving the audience with plenty to consider about their own journeys into adulthood. Overall, the film may not be a comfortable watch for all, but it undeniably leaves a lasting impression.