Mark, a 25-year-old male prostitute who suffers from anxiety attacks accidentally runs into the 10-year-old son of one of his clients. When the boy tells him he is looking for his father Mark, taken by surprise, wants nothing to do with him. But while they wait for the client to return Mark realizes that maybe this unexpected guest was exactly what he needed. Over the course of the night this strange new friendship grows and gives both Mark and Justin the courage to overcome their fears and face their own personal demons.
The filming and camera angles were mesmerizing and made this short film that bit more fascinating. The story is one that holds many morals and shows a choice someone can make. In this it regards a male prostitute turning down work because he knows there’s a child near by.
It’s a truly touching bit of film, and all the actors are perfect and have utter conviction, although the child in my mind should have been younger with his script seemingly immature. Yet this works, it brings it a brutal honesty.
The Boy Next Door is compelling from the start, and all the action is filmed mainly in one room, and this brings to it a sense of the claustrophobia all the characters must be feeling about different aspects of their life.
It was truly very enjoyable, and well worth watching.
Also watch:
Homophobia (2012)