The Mudge Boy

R

Released Jan 17, 2003

1h 34m

Drama

List

77%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

73%

Audience Score

1,000+ Ratings

Ignored by his father, Edgar (Richard Jenkins), ostracized by the local children and torn apart by the recent death of his mother, young teen Duncan Mudge (Emile Hirsch) begins behaving strangely. At first, he seeks comfort in the company of his pet chicken, and later he begins dressing in his late mother's clothing. When Mudge finds himself attracted to a local boy named Perry (Thomas Guiry), he has no one to help him understand his burgeoning homosexuality.

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Matt Weitz

Dallas Morning News

Condescending tone ... contrivance ... and clich.

Rated: C

Jul 22, 2004

Full Review

Steve Murray

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Like a sturdy, well-observed short story, its narrative pieces put together with a plain elegance.

Rated: B-

Jul 1, 2004

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

The Mudge Boy is odd and intense, very well acted, and impossible to dismiss.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 25, 2004

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Rated: 3/5

Jul 21, 2005

Full Review

Steve Rhodes

Internet Reviews

Tender, touching and tragic ... it's also rewarding and redemptive.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 27, 2005

Full Review

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Audience Member

The biting off the chicken head is what made this film abhorrent. There was no need.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Akshay M

The Mudge Boy is an odd and unsettling drama. Duncan mudge played by young Emile Hirsch is a naive boy who cannot cope after his mother's death and do some strange things which leads to tragic circumstances with his friend. It's hard to watch but the performance by Hirsch is hard to turn away.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/15

Full Review

Audience Member

Tragic & unsettling, with a sensitive performance from Hirsch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

great performances but the story was kinda weak..but it did hold my interest..it had an honest and real feel too it...it also got strange and shocking towards the end.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Really strong movie, one of those gems you happen to find. One of the best coming-of-age pics I've seen recently, with strong performances that will move you.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

when duncan said"have you ever think about kissing me"i think that's really moves me .and i don't think the 2 guys are gay.it's just kinda lust or favor between 2 teens. whatever emile hirsch is amazing actor.and it's a heart touching movie and i love it :)

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Michael Burke

Director

Emile Hirsch

Duncan Mudge

Tom Guiry

Perry Foley

Richard Jenkins

Edgar Mudge

Pablo Schreiber

Brent

Zachary Knighton

Travis

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Synopsis

Ignored by his father, Edgar (Richard Jenkins), ostracized by the local children and torn apart by the recent death of his mother, young teen Duncan Mudge (Emile Hirsch) begins behaving strangely. At first, he seeks comfort in the company of his pet chicken, and later he begins dressing in his late mother's clothing. When Mudge finds himself attracted to a local boy named Perry (Thomas Guiry), he has no one to help him understand his burgeoning homosexuality.

Director: Michael Burke
Producer: Elizabeth W. Alexander, Alison Benson, Randy Ostrow
Screenwriter: Michael Burke
Distributor: Strand Releasing
Production Co: First Cold Press Productions, Showtime Pictures
Rating: R (Rape|Language|Graphic Dialogue|Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2003, Original
Release Date (DVD): May 9, 2006
Box Office (Gross USA): $62.5K
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)