Old Boys

Old Boys is a captivating British romantic comedy film that was theatrically released in 2018. The film wonderfully captures the quirky experiences of adolescence, the complexities of unrequited love, and the transformative power of friendship. This delightful gem of a film was masterfully directed by Toby MacDonald and vibrantly features the talented trio of Alex Lawther, Jonah Hauer-King, and Pauline Etienne.

Set against the backdrop of an old fashioned boys' boarding school, the movie tells the heartwarming story of awkward yet endearing teenager Amberson, brilliantly portrayed by Alex Lawther. Amberson is not the most popular boy, nor is he the most athletic, but his quick wit and infectious charm make him a genuinely likable character. He stands as a metaphor for all those kids who are seen as odd or different and have to navigate their way through the rough and tumble years of adolescence.

Enter Winchester, the school's popular and handsome French teacher's son, played convincively by Jonah Hauer-King. Winchester is entirely the opposite of Amberson - athletic, outgoing and effortlessly catching the attention of all, particularly the French teacher's beautiful daughter Agnes, played by the luminous Pauline Etienne.

As the plot cleverly unfolds, both boys are drawn into an amusing and complicated triangle where the shy and resourceful Amberson functions as a reluctant go-between for Winchester and Agnes. Agnes, however, is not your typical on-screen teenager. As a free spirit, she brings a breath of fresh air in the otherwise stuffy confines of a boys' school setting. Her interests, ranging from poetry to whacky inventions, provide ample comedic fodder and the foundation for unexpected alliances.

Inspired by the French play 'Cyrano de Bergerac',' Old Boys' ingeniously uses the play's central motif of a withdrawn character using his eloquence to woo a woman on behalf of his more traditionally attractive friend. Comedy then emerges as a helpless Amberson finds himself falling for Agnes even as he writes love letters for Winchester, challenging the audience to empathize with the plight of our protagonist.

Above all, 'Old Boys' stands out for its harmonious blend of comedy, romance, and heartrending emotion. Toby MacDonald’s direction beautifully captures the innocence and naivety of adolescence, with the movie's lighthearted, whimsical tone effectively masking its poignant undertones. The film delivers high school life's intense emotions and bitter-sweet experiences with a perfect blend of humor and earnestness, probing deeper into themes of love, friendship, identity, and self-worth.

The cast's performances shine brightly, with Alex Lawther delivering a standout performance as the earnest Amberson, nailing the character's complexity, vulnerability, and quintessential charm. Jonah Hauer-King, as the athletic Winchester, captures the nuances of his contrasting role as the attractive but less intellectual leading man. Pauline’s performances as the enigmatic Agnes is thoroughly extraordinary, anchoring the duo's performances with a refreshing blend of individuality and magnetic charm.

Beautifully shot and aesthetically pleasing, 'Old Boys’' cinematography assists in transporting the viewer into the almost surreal environment of the boarding school, with its historic hallways, large grounds, and nourish dormitories. This is contrasted with scenes adorned with a colorful and bohemian touch, primarily associated with Agnes's surroundings, expressing the stark differences in the characters' worlds.

The film’s music sets a perfect ambiance for the story, composed by French musician and composer, Hugo leclercq, known as “Madeon”, who impressively demonstrates his versatility by creating an atmospheric soundtrack, pairing perfectly with the quirky and eccentric nature of the film.

To conclude, 'Old Boys,' Toby MacDonald's debut feature, is a delightfully charming film that highlights the highs and lows of young love and the angst of adolescence in a quirky yet alluring manner. Combining amazing performances, stunning cinematography, and an engaging script with sharp wit and profound emotions, 'Old Boys' is an impressively subtle and emotionally nuanced British cinema piece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether or not you're a fan of romantic comedies, 'Old Boys' proves impossible not to love.