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The New Boy

Play trailer 1:58 Poster for The New Boy Released May 23 1h 56m Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 65 Reviews 50% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
From acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton, The New Boy takes place in 1940s Australia at a remote monastery with a mission for Aboriginal children run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett). A new charge (Aswan Reid) is delivered in the dead of night – a boy who appears to have special powers. However, the boy's Indigenous spiritual life does not mesh with the mission's Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy, in this story of spiritual struggle and the cost of survival.
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Critics Consensus

The New Boy bites off more than it can comfortably chew, but this heady exploration of faith and cultural tensions has an ethereal allure.

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Critics Reviews

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Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News What happens instead propels both on a spiritual, existential journey that challenges their beliefs. “The New Boy” explores those big questions but leaves it to us to find out the answers. Rated: 3/4 May 30, 2025 Full Review Jourdain Searles RogerEbert.com Newcomer Reid perfectly embodies the spirit of the film, making us feel his confusion and share his joy in the small moments where he’s allowed to be himself. Rated: 3/4 May 23, 2025 Full Review Beatrice Loayza New York Times Thornton, who briefly attended a Christian boarding school when he was a child, brings a textured perspective to this story of cultural violence and white guilt. May 22, 2025 Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog A beautifully shot film that offers powerful insights into the enduring sting of Aboriginal assimilation. Blanchett is always stellar, while Reid is impressive in his debut performance. Rated: 3.5/5 May 30, 2025 Full Review Abbie Bernstein Assignment X Handsome but slow tale of magic at a 1940s Australian Catholic orphanage. Rated: B May 28, 2025 Full Review Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap Cate Blanchett is a tortured nun trying to protect an Indigenous boy in WWII era Australia, but the lad's spiritual truth doesn't align with her religious zeal in this allegorical rumination. Rated: 3.5/5 May 28, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Les N I wanted to see what happened. Isn't that the purpose of movies? Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/31/25 Full Review Kenneth R D This is a wonderful film independent film directed by Warwick Thornton and stars Cate Blanchett who also served as producer. It was featured in the Un Certain Regards competition at the 2023 Cannes Festival. Set in rural Australia during WW2 Blanchett stars as sister Eileen, a nun trying to keep an orphanage operating amidst changes and struggles. An aboriginal boy is dropped off and brings new challenges and to and determination from the Nun to continue the orphanage’s mission. From a faith standpoint, the film reflects the calling to accept, care for, and learn from others including The Others. It also reflects on the consequences of Colonial Evangelism. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/24/25 Full Review Stephen C 1 hour and 56 minutes based on a true story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/23/25 Full Review Luna H My least favourite film with Cate Blanchette, who I love as an actress. Mind you, the treatment of the beautiful orphaned boy was nothing less and horrific neglect and abuse. I felt so sad for him. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/27/25 Full Review aida N Not much happens in this movie! Rated 1 out of 5 stars 10/20/24 Full Review Danas C No plot and really just no progress, didn't make much sense, not much happend. Definitely don't recommend it. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 07/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Warwick Thornton

Director

Cate Blanchett

Sister Eileen

Aswan Reid

New Boy

Deborah Mailman

Sister Mum

Wayne Blair

George

Shane McKenzie-Brady

Michael

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The New Boy

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Movie Info

Synopsis From acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton, The New Boy takes place in 1940s Australia at a remote monastery with a mission for Aboriginal children run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett). A new charge (Aswan Reid) is delivered in the dead of night – a boy who appears to have special powers. However, the boy's Indigenous spiritual life does not mesh with the mission's Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy, in this story of spiritual struggle and the cost of survival.
Director
Warwick Thornton
Producer
Cate Blanchett, Georgie Pym, Kath Shelper, Andrew Upton
Screenwriter
Warwick Thornton, Warwick Thornton
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
First National Pictures, Dirty Films
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 23, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 30, 2025
Runtime
1h 56m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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