Likes: 0
Views: 445
Released: 2016
IMDb Rating: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3445580/
Genre: 2016 Movies, crime movies, English Movies, Hollywood Movies
Year: 2016
Introduction to "Boys in the Trees" (2016)
Boys in the Trees is a unique blend of supernatural thriller, coming-of-age drama, and psychological exploration, directed by Nicholas Verso. Released in 2016, this Australian film takes audiences on a nostalgic yet eerie journey back to the 1980s, weaving themes of friendship, trauma, and the passage from adolescence into adulthood. Although it is categorized under crime and supernatural genres, it is rich with emotional depth and dark aesthetic that appeals to viewers looking for a thought-provoking story that transcends typical horror or crime narratives.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around two high school best friends, Corey (played by Toby Wallace) and Jonah (played by Gulliver McGrath), who reunite a decade after a traumatic incident that changed their lives forever. The movie is set on Halloween night in 1997, when Corey returns to his hometown after years of silence. The night unfolds as they confront the unresolved mysteries and ghosts—both literal and metaphorical—of their past.
Corey and Jonah's friendship is at the heart of the film, as old wounds, memories, and truths resurface beneath the haunting backdrop. Their interactions are laced with tension, vulnerability, and the bittersweetness of nostalgia. This eerie night becomes a crucible for confession, reconciliation, and confronting personal demons. The film balances supernatural elements in the form of ghostly visions with grounded emotional storytelling, seamlessly blending fantasy with the psychological drama of guilt, loss, and coming to terms with the past.
Main Actors and Their Performances
Direction and Writing
Nicholas Verso served as both the director and writer of Boys in the Trees. His dual role allowed him to craft a visually striking film with a tightly woven narrative that underscores the emotional complexity of adolescence intersecting with supernatural horror. Verso's writing is poetic and atmospheric, evoking the bittersweet nostalgia of youth while exploring themes of loss, fear, and identity. His direction skillfully uses the eerie, autumnal setting and the spectral elements to complement the psychological undercurrents of the story. The decision to set the film in the late 1990s also adds to its nostalgic tone, with stylized cinematography and soundtrack choices that evoke the period.
Production and Cinematography
While not widely known internationally, Boys in the Trees earned attention in film festivals for its distinctive style and mood. The cinematography by Jason Millar beautifully captures the moody and dimly lit suburban landscapes, enhancing the supernatural suspense and emotional gravity. The film's editing is deliberate and atmospheric, with a pacing that allows the tension and resolution to simmer organically.
Music and Soundtrack
Unlike Bollywood films, which traditionally include elaborate song-and-dance sequences, Boys in the Trees features a soundtrack that complements its eerie and melancholic tone rather than breaking it up with musical numbers. The music weaves into the narrative seamlessly, enhancing the emotional resonance without distracting from the story.
Critical Reception and Themes
Boys in the Trees received praise for its mood, performances, and its fresh take on mixing supernatural horror with tender coming-of-age drama. Critics highlighted its evocative atmosphere and the layered portrayal of male friendship and trauma. The film explores complex themes such as confronting childhood fears, the complexities of friendship, and the quest for redemption. It avoids cliché horror tropes in favor of psychological depth and meaningful storytelling.
Conclusion
In summary, Boys in the Trees (2016) is a captivating film that combines supernatural elements with a poignant emotional narrative. Directed and written by Nicholas Verso, with powerful performances by Toby Wallace and Gulliver McGrath, the movie invites viewers to reflect on the shadows of the past and the bonds that shape us. For audiences interested in crime, supernatural, and coming-of-age stories with an atmospheric and introspective approach, this film is a compelling watch worth exploring.
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