Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
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.
Honey Boy is a raw, semi-autobiographical drama written by Shia LaBeouf himself while in rehab, lending it an unusual confessional authenticity. LaBeouf's performance as his own father is the film's undeniable centerpiece — uncomfortably lived-in and genuinely exceptional. Lucas Hedges and Noah Jupe also deliver strong work across the two timelines. The plot, while emotionally resonant, meanders and can feel fragmented, relying heavily on mood over narrative momentum. Cinematography by Natasha Braier has textured, intimate qualities but rarely transcends its indie-drama visual grammar. The novelty lies primarily in its meta-casting conceit and therapeutic origins rather than formal innovation. The ending is reflective but deliberately unresolved, which suits the material yet may leave some wanting more cathartic closure.