Is Boy Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Boy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Boy Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, Boy emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Boy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan who lives on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago. Unlike standard genre fare, Boy attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Boy features a noteworthy lineup led by James Rolleston . Supported by the likes of Te Aho Aho Eketone-Whitu and Taika Waititi , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Boy (2010) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Boy Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Boy is a Drama, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Boy Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Boy resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Boy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Boy?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Boy Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $9.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Boy
- James Rolleston – Boy
- Te Aho Aho Eketone-Whitu – Rocky
- Taika Waititi – Alamein
- Moerangi Tihore – Dynasty
- Cherilee Martin – Kelly
Top Highlights
James RollestonBoy
Te Aho Aho Eketone-WhituRocky
Taika WaititiAlamein
Moerangi TihoreDynasty
Cherilee MartinKelly
RickyLee Waipuka-RussellChardonnay
Haze RewetiDallas
Maakariini ButlerMurray
Rajvinder EriaTane
Manihera RangiuaiaKingi
Where to Watch Boy Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Boy is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Boy stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boy movie hit or flop?
Boy is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Comedy movies.
Is Boy worth watching?
Yes, Boy is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch Boy online?
Boy is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Boy
I really enjoyed James Rolleston’s performance here as his enthusiasm just leaps off the screen at you! His character hasn’t even got a name, but he lives with his gran and the scene-stealing “Rocky” (Te Aho Eketone-Whitu) who has the most fantastic superpowers - not! He is the original Michael Jackson superfan and it’s only his dad who can hope to come close to that level of adulation. His dad “Alamein” (Taika Waititi) is off as a temporary guest of Her Majesty though, and so just imagine his excitement when gran has to head off for a week to attend a funeral just as his father and a few of his pals show up! The young lad is just too absorbed to realise that they a not playing “dig an hole in the garden” for fun, but because there’s some ill-gotten loot buried somewhere. The question isn’t really if they will find it, but who will find it and with a ravenous goat never far from shot, will it survive intact! This is an amiable character study of rural New Zealand in the mid 1980s with a small town, close-knit, community mentality that sees everyone - well the only lady in the place (Rachel House) - look after these kids including “Dallas”, “Dynasty” and there’s even a “Falcon Crest”! She and “Alamein” butt heads occasionally, especially as he becomes more and more frustrated that he can’t find his cash but it’s all amusing stuff. After a fashion, he does care for his son and as the search continues the bond develops. Not so predictably but entertainingly turbulently and with plenty of daft, earthy and witty dialogue from just about all concerned. It celebrates the beauty of their location too but it’s the charming “Rocky” whose merest finger gestures can make things fly or resurrect the dead that really made me smile most. Didn’t we all think, as weans, that we had some sort of magic power? His are illustrated by childlike animations (on graph paper, too!) and, well you can watch and see. It does run out of steam a little, and maybe the joke tires towards the end, but it’s a fun observation on disjointed family life and it’s well worth and hour and an half.
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