Honey Boy
Honey Boy

Honey Boy

2019Movie94 minEnglish

The story of a child star attempting to mend his relationship with his law-breaking, alcohol-abusing father over the course of a decade, loosely based on Shia LaBeouf’s life.

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Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users90%
Director: Alma Har'elGenres: Biography, Drama

Plot Summary

Child star Otis Lort, struggling with his past trauma and addiction, attempts to reconcile with his abusive, incarcerated father during a court-ordered rehab stay. The film explores their complex and painful relationship through fragmented memories and present-day interactions. It delves into the psychological impact of fame and a turbulent upbringing on a young man trying to find himself.

Critical Reception

Honey Boy received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise directed at Shia LaBeouf's raw and confessional performance, as well as the directorial debut of Alma Har'el. Critics lauded the film's emotional honesty and its unique approach to autobiography, though some noted its intense and often difficult subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply personal and cathartic exploration of trauma and reconciliation.
  • Shia LaBeouf delivers a career-defining, vulnerable performance as his own father.
  • Alma Har'el's assured directorial debut skillfully blends raw emotion with a unique visual style.

Google audience: Google users largely praised "Honey Boy" for its emotional depth, powerful performances, and honest portrayal of a difficult father-son relationship. Many found the film to be moving and insightful, appreciating its raw vulnerability.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Dramatic and the Art of Non-Fiction Award for Alma Har'el. Nominated for Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

Shia LaBeouf wrote the screenplay for "Honey Boy" while in a court-mandated rehabilitation program, drawing directly from his own life experiences and relationship with his father.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
tmdb15435519

tmdb15435519

Stunning. Hedges is excellent. And if we are to believe half of it, I guess we know why Shia is the way he is.
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

Both Shia LeBeouf and first-time director Alma Har'el have created a truly moving piece of cinema that is an experience everyone needs to have. I can't wait to see what they do next... let the Shiaissance begin! - Chris dos Santos Read ...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

Alma Har’el delivers a beautifully-directed, therapeutic story that a lot of people will be able to connect with. Shia LaBeouf shines as both screenwriter and actor, but Noah Jupe proves that he’s one of the best young actors working today....