The New Boy

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1:58

The New Boy

Released May 23

1h 56m

Drama

History

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

66 Reviews

46%

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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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

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Morris Yang

In Review Online

Although Thornton may have been more acclaimed for his brunt and brutal depictions of racism in Sweet Country, it’s the modernizing, reformist ideology in The New Boy that deserves better recognition for its vicious imprint on Australian history.

Jun 6, 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

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Revolver 0

good walkabout vibes

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

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Kimito G

We weren't particularly impressed with this movie. We kept waiting for something to indicate that there was indeed a message. As it turned out there apparently was but the movie was slow, tedious, lacking anything some reality. I kept wondering how those boys always had the same clothes? The raging fire that continued for apparently days but never moved in any direction? Several couples left halfway through.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

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

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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

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Director

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Sister Eileen

Aswan Reid

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The New Boy: Trailer 1

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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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