Handsome Devil (2016)

Handsome Devil (2016) is a witty, warm-hearted coming-of-age dramedy set at a rugby-obsessed Irish boarding school. When awkward, music-loving loner Ned is paired as a roommate with the charismatic star player Conor, the two form an unexpected friendship under the influence of a new, unconventional English teacher who encourages them to find their own voices. Their bond is pushed to the breaking point as the school's rigid expectations and homophobic pressures collide with personal truth. Watching the film, you’ll get a mix of sharp teen comedy, tense emotional moments, and energetic sports sequences — laugh-out-loud banter and locker-room bravado sit alongside quieter scenes of vulnerability and courage. The performances are earnest and relatable, and the film balances lightness and gravity in a way that makes the characters’ growth feel earned. Ultimately, Handsome Devil is both entertaining and moving: it’s about friendship, identity, and standing up to bullying and conformity. Expect to leave feeling uplifted and thoughtful — moved by the characters’ bravery and reminded of the importance of being true to yourself.

Actors: Fionn O'Shea, Ardal O'Hanlon, Amy Huberman

Director: John Butler

Runtime: 95 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sport

6.0 /10 60 /100 7.0 /10 6.3 /10