Honey Boy
Amazon Studios | Release Date: November 8, 2019
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 69 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
52
Mixed:
13
Negative:
4
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
MarakaiAug 21, 2020
Shia LaBeouf seems to be one of those actors that people love to hate and some of his outlandish behaviour in his personal life hasn’t exactly helped that. That said, he’s an undoubted talent and has continuously impressed in numerous roles.Shia LaBeouf seems to be one of those actors that people love to hate and some of his outlandish behaviour in his personal life hasn’t exactly helped that. That said, he’s an undoubted talent and has continuously impressed in numerous roles. As for his off-camera behaviour, that can somewhat be excused when you realise the tumultuous upbringing he had as a child. The semi-autobiographical Honey Boy goes some way to exploring that struggle. Written by LaBeouf while in rehab, we are offered an insight into how abusive his father was to him while striving for success in the film industry. It’s a brutally honest drama where LaBeouf takes the opportunity to play his father and he delivers an absolutely fantastic performance. There’s a lot of bravery in both his writing and his acting that could’ve had the danger of coming across as narcissistic but it simply doesn’t. Instead, it results in a compelling, dysfunctional, coming-of-age drama where the road to stardom isn’t always glittered in gold.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
Brent_MarchantNov 24, 2019
A surprisingly good offering about a successful child star and his troubled father who uses tough love (sometimes a little too tough) to see his son succeed and avoid the mistakes he made in his life, a story based on the life experience ofA surprisingly good offering about a successful child star and his troubled father who uses tough love (sometimes a little too tough) to see his son succeed and avoid the mistakes he made in his life, a story based on the life experience of writer-actor Shia LaBeouf and his own dad. Told through flashbacks, viewers see how a now-adult movie star dogged by substance abuse goes through rehab to deal with his past and seek resolution, a tale peppered with unusual and unexpected ups and downs, as well as a revelation that situations like this aren't necessarily black and white. Excellent performances abound, especially LaBeouf's portrayal of the father figure and by Lucas Hedges and Noah Jupe as the elder and younger actor. Inventive cinematography and creative musical montages help to set this one apart from other similar releases, evoking heartfelt but not manipulative emotional responses. Think of this as a grittier, gender-switch, working class version of "Post Cards from the Edge," and you've got the idea what's behind this one.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
crfo333Nov 29, 2019
Honey Boy is a special movie, one that doesn't come along often. Shia LaBeouf's performance was incredible. Honey Boy is so moving.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
marshallonfilm_Mar 18, 2020
"Yes. She's filling your head full of fear, I pump you up full of strength. Cause we're a team and I know you got what it takes. You're a f**king star and I know it, that's why I'm here. I'm your cheerleader, Honey Boy."
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
GeorgestrunkMar 30, 2020
Inspiring story must have been difficult to relive on screen .
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
JordanLaytonApr 28, 2020
Shia LaBeouf plays his own father in this clearly therapeutic film for him about his troubled childhood. I had a hard time fully enjoying this film on its own merits because of the fact that Shia wrote and starred in it as his own father.Shia LaBeouf plays his own father in this clearly therapeutic film for him about his troubled childhood. I had a hard time fully enjoying this film on its own merits because of the fact that Shia wrote and starred in it as his own father. That fact stayed in the back of my head for much of the film and while it enhanced some scenes, I feel like it retracted from the film overall. It's hard to describe, but I got the slight feeling that Shia wrote this film as an explanation or perhaps even an excuse for his behavior. I know how unfair that is to him and that I should probably give him the benefit of the doubt that this was written purely to tell his story and for his own artistic fulfillment, but once that thought wormed itself into my head, certain scenes started to take another light. Regarding purely the film without any background, this is a competently made film with clear thought put into shot composition, story structure, and character portrayal of real people. Shia, Lucas Hedges, and the child actor, Noah Jupe, all gave great performances. Jupe in particular was a welcome surprise, rising above other child stars (ironically, something his character did as well).… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
tropicAcesNov 13, 2019
It’s raw and honest, if not a bit familiar; probably holds more weight for those who know LaBeouf’s career and backstory, but still incredibly acted.
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
matthewmirlianiNov 13, 2019
An imperfect but ultimately moving film, Honey Boy stands heavily on the shoulders of Shia LaBeouf’s Oscar-worthy performance as his own father — one of the most remarkable turns so far this year. While it does not soar to groundbreakingAn imperfect but ultimately moving film, Honey Boy stands heavily on the shoulders of Shia LaBeouf’s Oscar-worthy performance as his own father — one of the most remarkable turns so far this year. While it does not soar to groundbreaking heights, this intimate, and at times strange film dances close to cinematic brilliance, particularly in its beautiful finale.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Compi24Dec 17, 2019
The keystone, nay, the crown jewel in modern society's long-standing obsession with the borderline mythic construct of what we all consider Shia LaBeouf to be. Devoted performance artist to the very end, psychologically unwell egomaniac, orThe keystone, nay, the crown jewel in modern society's long-standing obsession with the borderline mythic construct of what we all consider Shia LaBeouf to be. Devoted performance artist to the very end, psychologically unwell egomaniac, or an honest to God broken human being looking to figure himself out just like the rest of us -- whatever your opinion of the man is, "Honey Boy" will work as something of a companion piece to it. More importantly, though, it's a deeply upsetting and impactful portrayal of a bankrupt relationship between a father and his son, and the litany of morally perverse push/pull mechanisms layered therein, featuring a revelatory, career-best performance from the true-to-life subject at the center of everything -- LaBeouf himself. Taking on the role of the complex and layered quasi-tormentor that inflicted so much intentional and unintentional damage upon him throughout his own childhood, some may call this the ultimate act of self-indulgence on the part of LaBeouf. I simply see it as someone desperately trying to sort through their past, so as to construct some semblance of a better future. Add in some stark camerawork and imagery from narrative filmmaking newcomer Alma Har'el and you have one of the year's most metaphysically gratifying, emotionally gripping character studies. To be quite honest, I'd even venture to call it a masterpiece.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
The3AcademySinsNov 24, 2019
I found Honey Boy to be an incredibly transcending film. Calling it a movie almost doesn't do it justice. At times its a meditation. At times it a funeral dirge. At other points, its an exorcism. Its performance art, and its the mostI found Honey Boy to be an incredibly transcending film. Calling it a movie almost doesn't do it justice. At times its a meditation. At times it a funeral dirge. At other points, its an exorcism. Its performance art, and its the most accessible performance art that Shia LaBeouf has created to date.

Honey Boy is one of the most emotionally visceral experiences I have had in theaters this year. I think I felt every single emotion while watching this ultimately broken father and son relationship. Shia LaBeouf's performance as his own father is incredible, and every movement and line he delivers is incredibly specific and purposeful. If you're like me, and you know a lot about Shia's history and life, you will recognize a lot of the scenes from stories he has told about his childhood.

Lucas Hedges comes out of left field with a nearly-perfect take on adult Shia LaBeouf. Noah Jupe as the young Otis, as Shia LaBeouf's character is called in the movie, is heartbreakingly vulnerable. There is not a weak performance from anyone in the cast.

This is a beautiful, incredibly moving film. It's hard to watch the abuse and neglect at a lot of points, but every character is so well developed that its easy to even find empathy with the father character. This is a project that was incredibly important to everyone involved, and it shows.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
YeetusMcGeetusNov 24, 2019
I loved this movie. It was an emotional rollercoaster. It was hard to watch in the best way possible.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
JLuis_001Jan 29, 2020
Shia LaBeouf again demonstrates that if he wants to do things right, they will also work out well. I know it's not always the case but he's obviously trying.

I really thought that he was lost when he released the the lousy Man Down and BorgShia LaBeouf again demonstrates that if he wants to do things right, they will also work out well. I know it's not always the case but he's obviously trying.

I really thought that he was lost when he released the the lousy Man Down and Borg vs. McEnroe was good but nothing noteworthy but here beyond the solid script he wrote he also delivers a performance worthy of nominations and that sadly I see went completely unnoticed but it's understandable considering how small this indie movie was.

Even so, the greatest recognition must be his good work and the surprise for those who discover it and Honey Boy is a dark proposal of redemption that must be discovered.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
imtheonlytyeDec 11, 2020
This movie is phenomenal and made me quite emotional. I loved it so much. I will always come back to this movie. The actor is amazing!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetAug 11, 2022
This is quite a sobering watch. It certainly highlights a dysfunctional father to son relationship - one I believe based on the upbringing of actor Shia LaBeouf. I can't not feel sorry for him for being basically lumbered with a verbally,This is quite a sobering watch. It certainly highlights a dysfunctional father to son relationship - one I believe based on the upbringing of actor Shia LaBeouf. I can't not feel sorry for him for being basically lumbered with a verbally, emotionally and somewhat physically abusive father. The films title comes from a nickname the father gives. I certainly wouldn't say its a complimentary one, put it that way. It's a somewhat insightful film I suppose...I'm not sure quite how much can be learnt from it per se but its not a bad film as such, its a frustrating film in a way but then I guess its a sort of story that needs to be told, in one respect. The characters are somewhat quirky and I suppose overall yes I'd recommend it, if it interests you, though its not what I'd call a perfect film - I'm a bit unsure what conclusions to come to, what the ending was really...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
GreyhoundesSep 6, 2020
Honey Boy? More like honey, boy that movie was good! Noah Jupe, Shia LaBeouf, and FKA twigs kick ass in this movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
GazMoviesOct 11, 2020
This is the story of Shia LaBeouf and his relationship with his father. Shia LaBeouf is playing his Dad in this, it must have been hard for Shia to play his Dad who mentally abused him for years. This movie had me hooked from the veryThis is the story of Shia LaBeouf and his relationship with his father. Shia LaBeouf is playing his Dad in this, it must have been hard for Shia to play his Dad who mentally abused him for years. This movie had me hooked from the very beginning the story is very emotional and honest you feel the sadness of a lonely frightened 12 year old boy who couldn't rely on his father to protect him. I did wonder why his Mam wasn't around more it didn't do a very good job of explaining why she wasn't there. I also thought the end of the movie could have been better. A very good movie with just a couple of little issues. Shia LaBeouf's performance in this was really emotional I think it deserved more recognition than it got at the awards last year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
It's more a therapeutic prescription than a film, but that certainly doesn't mean outsiders can't feel its emotional power. Kudos to LaBeouf's screenplay and acting to doubly tackle his trauma headfirst into a well made film with the help ofIt's more a therapeutic prescription than a film, but that certainly doesn't mean outsiders can't feel its emotional power. Kudos to LaBeouf's screenplay and acting to doubly tackle his trauma headfirst into a well made film with the help of the rest of the cast and Alma Har'el's direction.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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