80
The film's both smart and devastating as it unthreads interwoven questions about redemption, justice, and the pivotal role of history in shaping an individual and his actions.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
A compelling, compact melodrama that packs an emotional wallop. It's my nominee for sleeper surprise of the summer, at least so far.
80
Jack, as played by Andrew Garfield, comes across as agonized, desperately anxious to get things right -- something you might also say about the filmmakers, who have turned Boy A's very particular story into a scary, universal and wrenching social statement.
50
New York Magazine (Vulture) by David Edelstein
This is another of those dead-kid dramas in which the terrible event is handled like a striptease--tantalizing flashes until the climax.
70
Picture inspires respect for its first-rate performances, artful construction and meticulous understatement.
90
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Andrew Garfield's phenomenal performance makes room for the many and various pieces of Jack's personality, whether or not they're securely fastened together.
60
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
If Hitchcock had done a coming-of-age drama, it might have resembled this haunting, nervous, sad movie about an early twentysomething.
75
Director John Crowley and screenwriter Mark O'Rowe's follow-up to their feature film debut "Intermission" may follow an all-too schematic flashback structure, but the film is too brilliantly acted for that to really matter much.
50
Moves in a predictable path that includes some remarkable coincidences.
80
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
Mr. Garfield's performance makes Jack so endearing and vulnerable that as he takes his first wobbly steps, like a baby bird shoved from its nest, your instincts are protective.