The Boys Are Back

After viewing the trailer for The Boys Are Back last week, we prepared ourselves for battle by bringing ample supplies of tissues for what looked like a real tear-jerker. Though it is desperately sad at points, The Boys Are Back is a modern and positive look at one man’s struggle of single parenthood.

Clive Owen plays Joe Warr, who finds himself suddenly widowed and father to young Arty – brilliantly acted by newcomer Nicholas McAnulty. As they stagger through the first few weeks of grief together, we see a father who is open and honest enough to see that his son has his own cycles of sadness that play out very differently than his own. Director Scott Hicks gives us ample love, warmth, and fun in this chaotic house where almost anything goes. As in Snow Falling on Cedars, Hicks makes the environment play a major role in the film. The Australian countryside and sounds of its nature are a constant soothing, thematic backdrop to the story.

So the main conflict isn’t just the struggle of father and son after the loss of mom. The introduction of another son from his first marriage gives Joe Warr his real challenge. I don’t think he spends much time at all worrying about his own needs. He spends his time and energy rediscovering his first son and watching a new relationship grow between him and Arty.

So, a new family emerges and though there are many obstacles (won’t ruin the story) and a lot of emotional baggage to unpack, the honesty in the film is touching and the journey worth watching. You should bring tissues but probably 1 or 2 will do.

The Rave Review rated this movie 3 out of 5.