This is an intriguing, twisty, drama from director Julius Onah. A prosperous couple, Peter and Amy Edgar (Tim Roth and Naomi Watts) adopt a young boy (Kelvin Harrison Jr) who they name Luce from war torn Eritrea. Despite having a horrific start in life he has blossomed into a star pupil at his school and is seemingly the perfect son. Except that one teacher, Miss Wilson (Octavia Spencer), suspects that he has a darker side. Is she right or does she have some sort of vendetta against the boy?
Adapted by J.C. Lee from his own play, the theatrical origins are clear to see. But, the dialogue still fizzes, and all of the characters are nicely rounded. The cast are uniformly excellent with Roth quietly dominating every scene he’s in.
The story has more gradual realisations than big reveals. This is a mature, interesting film.
Rating: 8 out of 10