Honey Boy (Review)
Visceral and deeply focused, these are some of the many words that one can use to describe the magnitude of Alma Har’el’s narrative debut Honey Boy.
Shia LeBeouf has always had an eye constantly on him due to his actions and demeanor as a person outside a sheltered Hollywood world, whether it be talking shit drunkenly to a cop that just arrested him to art exhibits that offered nothing but a sense of pity. Eventually he goes through hurdles and therapeutically gathers himself by writing a screenplay detailing his childhood. In such He transfers himself into the character Otis Lort, played by rising newcomer Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges in different stages of his life.
Shia LeBeouf’s screenplay is thematically gripping from the seams of the window. Like most films, a driving force behind it all is the dialogue. Anybody can come and make a film look pretty, but without written depth, simplistic dialogue and emotional cues become lost in the sight. The dialogue is enthralling, though most of the time it has sentiments of Otis and James being the patients on the sofa, while we’re the therapist/psychiatrist. This isn’t to discredit the raw performances that envelop the screen.
Shia LeBeouf, as James Lort, brings a completely dynamite performance as the father who makes Otis see how proper and responsible of a father he is, in respects to his career. And though he never amounts to being the standard idea we have of a father, the duality of that and being the man working for his son, crosses lines demonstrating his imperfections.
This usually amounts to him leaving behind aspects of what a true father should be in the dark caverns of his mind. It becomes one the crippling holes in Otis’ psyche, which then translates into the mindlessly angry and volatile drunk he has shown. As we soon find out, James is an ex felon with previous alcohol and substance problems that deterred his psyche to be always in the right, even when he hits Otis. This amounts to the inner grief James has of feeling like he truly fucked up during the early years of his son’s childhood.
Lucas Hedges encapsulates the built up trauma from his emotionally abusive rodeo clown of a father to exceeded lengths. Every moment he takes the screen, which is minimal compared to expectations, he leaves a lasting impression. Noah Jupe brings a tour de force with every moment he has on screen, which culminate into the best performance of the film.
Alma Har’el weaves each scene with meticulous attention to detail, from the neon grime colors of a dirtier LA town when the two are at home. But when they visit the set or rehab, the use of shades through many vibrant colors give parallels a sense that this is a true safe space. Cinematographer Natasha Braier helps in using the camera to evoke those feelings. There are minimalist moments where the camera seems to skewer and remain unbalanced in certain shots that can become a visible distraction from deep moments. And yet that is really the only negative aspect going for it.
Honey Boy is a unique study of a relationship between father and son, where sympathy only lies in what you see. You tend to learn that James has the right intentions with paving a road for prosperity, despite leaving many potholes on the way to the top. Eventually becoming evident with the way they mirror Otis’ personalities between home and on set. It is a visual marvel of a relationship where the magnitude of emotions it levies takes the heart into a whirlwind-tornado.
Honey Boy is a true remarkable achievement all around for both Shia LeBeouf and Alma Har’el.
Honey Boy is currently playing in select theaters now.
