This film, although intended to be a horror film, instead turns out to be a surprisingly dark and thought-provoking psychological thriller. Johnny McFarley seems like the perfect boy next door, but a closer examination reveals he has a very twisted psyche for a twelve-year-old. I liked this film because it has us feel pity for and be unnerved by Johnny at the same time. Unlike the Good Son, for example, you feel like this is a good kid who simply went through hell and snapped instead of a soulless demon-child portrayal. Although it may not seem scary, it touches the very ugly topics of child abuse and religion used badly well. The only real weak point I saw was the father figure, who could have been omitted entirely for the little he adds to the film. Though not the most bloody or shocking film, it hits all the right notes for a great thriller.
Review of The Paperboy
