The Good Boy, also titled “Heel” in the US, speaks on society’s troubled youth and a generation lost to social media. Its darkly twisted narrative is wonderfully directed by Jan Komasa. The director is perhaps best known for Corpus Christi (2019). And whose previous work has included similar themes of isolated youth, and the dangers of social media brings a much-needed story to tell to the big screen.
We are invited into the life of 19-year-old, Tommy (Anson Boon) who is involved in all sorts of out-of-control mayhem. From bullying school kids to crashing cars and clubbing so much that he looks like he just might fall apart. But life hits him hard when his antics on social media become noticed by devoted family man and road safety advocate, Chris (Stephen Graham).
One night, after Tommy stumbles in the road, he wakes up chained to the wall of Chris’ basement in a secluded house. Chris believes Tommy can be rehabilitated with the right amount of training, discipline, and punishment. He employs (and somewhat manipulates) cleaner (Monika Frajczyk) to work for him. We are introduced to the rest of his family. His wife Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough) is rather dead-eyed and distant. Whilst their 10-year-old son, Jonathan (Kit Rakusen) is weary, fearful, and is clearly holding on to some secrets.
Masterfully Crafting a Tense & Unsettling Atmosphere
There’s always a reason why people behave like they do. And for Chris and Tommy there is an amazing push-and-pull dynamic that is really livened up by the actors themselves. Both Stephen Graham and Anson Boon truly bring the characters from the script into the screen. They play off one another’s contrasting personalities and opinions to masterfully craft a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
But the supporting cast add that extra spice of attention. Andrea Riseborough brings to life a creepy, secretive, and manipulative mother. There’s much more to her character than meets the eye. She’s subtlety unnerving. Yet Kit Rakusen’s Jonathan is quite literally an example of a ‘good boy.’ He has so much built-up emotion contained within a false smile that adds another layer of mystery to unravelling the backstory of this weirdly and well-put-together family that seems all too good to be true.
Stephen Graham is Scarily Good
Stephen Graham is scarily good here, even when he’s not in-shot, you’re constantly thinking about his character. You know an actor has excelled at their role when the character sticks with you long after the credits roll. He’s so believable that you forget you’re even watching a film.
When we first meet Chris, he seems like the typical villain character. But as we learn more about him and his backstory he becomes more of an anti-hero. Really his intentions are good but how he carries out his duties may blur the line between moral and immoral.
The Good Boy has so many good messages – some subtle whilst others are much more obvious. Such themes include morals, discipline, rehabilitation, and most importantly second chances. These main themes are all wrapped up to serve as a message about Generation Z, their behaviour, and how social media is a big factor that shapes their lives.
But the film’s core message could not be more relevant to today’s society. We gain two different generational perspectives. The point of view of Chris shows a more old-school mentality. Whilst Tommy’s story speaks on the perspective of so many young people today – careless, self-centred, and living life through the phone. It’s almost like we are waiting to feel bad for him.
Learning to Understand, Not Judge
Although he’s so unlikeable as a protagonist, we just might like him a little more if we just learn to understand his thought process, his behaviours, and the reasons behind his actions. This is where the film is so clever. It acts as a wake-up call for Generation Z. It does not shy away from showcasing how they really behave. This highlights that change and improvement are possible if they open their minds and just try.
The character of Chris reminds us of the importance of learning to understand, not judge when it comes to improving the way Generation Z talk, behave, and interact. As a Zoomer myself, I can’t help but side with Chris’ perspective. His way of seeing life is healthier, less destructive, and serves as a reminder for the beauty of this world. The way the two leads react to such activities as reading books, watching old movies, and spending time in nature showcases the generational differences between Tommy and Chris.
Regaining a Life Worth Living
Whilst ‘Gen Z’ have been catapulted through living life at a faster rate, the older generations have arguably understood the true value of life more. The Good Boy reminds us all to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and spend time with family and friends who appreciate you.
One thing’s for sure here, Tommy learns exactly who sticks by him in his lowest moments, and it’s not the people he most expected. Sometimes those who are closest to you don’t really have your best intentions at heart at all. Tommy’s transformation over the story is extremely well crafted, masterfully cinematic, and beautifully heartfelt.
Not only is this thriller unsettling but it’s eerily relevant to UK society today. It speaks on the younger generation who feel a loss of identity in a world lived through social media. When gaining likes, followers, and reaching viral fame is what they have to strive for makes us question what we must do as individuals to help regain a life worth living. Rather than just “existing.” The Good Boy is a film that will stick with me for a while. And is currently the best film I have seen this year. It’s well worth seeing on the big screen.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Good Boy (2025) is released in UK cinemas on 20th March 2026. You can read more reviews like this, including The Secret Agent (2025) here.
