Film Review: Film Review: Honey Boy Heals Childhood Traumas
When we think of trauma, at best, we think of a night in the emergency room. People filing around trying to save a life that, if saved, will have to spend months, if not years, in recovery. Yet, spiritually, it is the same, except the one trying to save you is you. Shia Labeouf’s auto-biographical film, Honey Boy, is nothing short of a masterpiece because it is one of the rawest, most powerful films to highlight the trauma of a cruel parent.
Sometimes, I think trauma is more portrayed like a physical ordeal because, spiritually, it is harder to convey. Personally, I would compare it to a hex; a curse falling upon a person that they have to break, even though they, technically, did not ask for or earn such a dooming cloud hovering over them. I know that is a pretty dark portrayal, but if you see Honey Boy, you will understand. Lucas Hedges’ performance as the older Otis, exemplifies that the tragedies and pains of your childhood manifest and mold your adulthood. If anything ,getting older can give that pain permission to drive you, of which Hedges’ performance shows the humbling tragedy of a man seeing he is not okay and, perhaps, has not been for a long time.
Honey Boy – Official Trailer | Amazon Studios
Shia Labeouf plays James Lort based off his father. Written by Shia, Honey feels like an explanation for his self-destruction and, frankly, I understood. Admittedly, I saw so much of my own father in James, which is why I recommend the film for anyone still struggling with the fact that A) their parent did not love them or B) their parent did not know how to love. Labeouf’s performance is Oscar-worthy, in part, because it is engulfing and embodies every father that felt jealous of their child, moved according to his own selfish desires, abused his wife, and could not hide these sins even if he had all the charm in the world. Labeouf humanizes how a man can keep hurting their child without ever fully being aware they are doing so, despite their own kid telling them.
Shia LaBeouf on Playing His Own Dad in ‘Honey Boy’
While Shia’ writing and acting deserves high rewards, the film finds its heart in Noah Jupe’s portrayal as young Otis, whom is, technically, based off of Shia’s childhood years as Louis Stevens from Even Stevens. Jupe’s performance broke my heart and made me cry. He captures the disappointment and struggling faith of a kid who really wants their dad to be a “father.” He fantasizes of telling his dad off or, at least, one day having him awaken to see he should be a better father. I 100% felt that, and his ability to add depth and genuineness to a child’s pain was fantastic. Kids feel bad and they know more about what is going wrong with their parents then what their “guardians” might think. The sad part is there does not seem to be an attempt at veiling and protecting young Otis. He is smart, talented, and a ticket for his dad to live out a life he felt he could have had.
Directed by Alma Har’el, the film feels like a 3 for 1 tale beautifully interweaved by her to show even the absence of a parent can mold how a child is raised. Yet, you do not be gone to be absent; you simply do not need to be present. Honey Boy Is Out In Select Theaters with plans to expand, hopefully, nationwide. See it if you can!
