'In an exhilarating start to the film, a brave Aboriginal boy (Reid) is engaged in a battle with police, fighting with all his might. Eventually subdued, he is sent off to a remote monastery – and home to orphaned boys – run by Sister Eileen (Blanchett). The kindly nun has a calming effect on the new boy, and he also forms connections with Sister Mum (Mailman) and George (Blair) who manages the farmlands. An attempt at bullying the new boy falls flat, and he soon becomes an established, unique presence at the monastery. But he possesses unusual powers, and as Sister Eileen’s religious zeal intensifies, things begin to unravel. '
Source: Sydney Film Festival.
One of the Guardian Australia’s 10 Australian films to look out for in 2023
'Aswan Reid delivers Australian cinema’s most impressive child performance for some time, as the titular youngster taken to an outback orphanage.'
'When I see a great film, I ask myself: does it deserve the full five stars? Usually I decide not. Today, however, the answer is easy. The New Boy, written, directed and filmed by Indigenous filmmaker Warwick Thornton, is a masterpiece.' (Introduction)
'In The New Boy, Warwick Thornton’s first film in six years, the Kaytetye director tells a mesmerising story of Indigenous spiritual transformation. By Andy Hazel.'
'When I see a great film, I ask myself: does it deserve the full five stars? Usually I decide not. Today, however, the answer is easy. The New Boy, written, directed and filmed by Indigenous filmmaker Warwick Thornton, is a masterpiece.' (Introduction)
'Aswan Reid delivers Australian cinema’s most impressive child performance for some time, as the titular youngster taken to an outback orphanage.'
'In The New Boy, Warwick Thornton’s first film in six years, the Kaytetye director tells a mesmerising story of Indigenous spiritual transformation. By Andy Hazel.'
