The Young Poisoner's Handbook

R

Released Feb 23, 1996

1 hr. 46 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

87%

15 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Graham Young (Hugh O'Conor) is a teenage misfit living in suburban London in the 1960s. He hates his stepmother (Ruth Sheen) but loves chemistry, and the two impulses unite in a wicked plot to slowly poison her. After she dies, he's found guilty and sent to a psychiatric hospital, where an idealistic doctor (Antony Sher) thinks he can be cured. Upon release, Graham finds a job, but struggles to fight back his old urges for murder. The film is based on the true story of the "Teacup Murderer."

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Nox T

I knew nothing of the movie going in, just the title, and was pleasantly surprised. Excellent soundtrack and sound design, good cinematography, wonderful casting and acting, the whole shebang. I normally write silly goofy reviews but, strangely, I felt compelled to give a normal one for this movie. Something about it kept me hooked the whole way through.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Well crafted and acted tale of true crime story - was it just me but I saw some Harry Potter in this film

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

"I want to be the greatest poisoner the world has ever seen" I admire the guts of making a movie about an infamous english serial killer into a black comedy, especially since in 1995, it was only five years ago since the man in question (Graham Young) died. My expectations about this movie was honestly not very high. I knew of this movie's existence for several years before I watched it for the first time yesterday. Since I usually have heard some about movies before I watch them (if they are supposed to be good or bad ect.) and couldn't remember anything about this one, I took for granted it was a very mediocre movie. So I was suprised to find this entertaining and even slightly above average! Been trying to do some research on the director, Benjamin Ross, but it looks like he haven't made that many movies, and strangely it seems like Young Poisoner's Handbook, is the only movie by him I've seen. The movie however contains lots of english actors you will probably recognize from other known english movies. The guy who plays Graham Young, Hugh O'Conor had a small role in My Left Foot, and the woman who plays the stepmother (Ruth Sheen) has appeared in most of Mike Leigh's movies. I was surprised to know that even the girl who plays the sister (Charlotte Coleman) is known for playing the roommate, Scarlett in Four Weddings And A Funeral. (It's hard to recognize her without that bright red hair, though!) What impressed me the most about this movie, expect for the fact that they managed to make a comedy of it, is the inventive and very playful script. Though it's roughly based on a true story, it doesn't prevent the filmmakers to develope the characters (and make them wackier then ever!) and even adding fun twists to the movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A modern cult classic! overwhelmingly hilarious, totally sick and twisted--The best thing since "A Clockwork Orange"!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It doesn't delve into its subjects psyche enough for my taste, but there is a interesting bluntness to its narrative. A Sociopathic Megalomaniac will continue to be a Sociopathic Megalomaniac, regardless of how much dream analysis they undergo.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

flixster f

"He gave his life to his research, so did his family." [Tagline] The biographical sketch of the protagonist is indeed extraordinary, but the way the events are portrayed herein hampers its effect. Despite fictionalizing the accounts, the movie fails to maintain enough interest. Wish the makers were dedicated enough!!!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Benjamin Ross

Director

Hugh O'Conor

Graham Young

Antony Sher

Dr. Ernest Zeigler

Ruth Sheen

Molly

Roger Lloyd-Pack

Fred

Charlotte Coleman

Winnie

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Owen Gleiberman

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Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2011

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Marc Savlov

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Rated: 4/5

Jan 1, 2000

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

O’Conor delivers one of the great hateful/sympathetic performances.

Rated: B

Sep 1, 2022

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Rated: 4/5

Mar 15, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jul 2, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Graham Young (Hugh O'Conor) is a teenage misfit living in suburban London in the 1960s. He hates his stepmother (Ruth Sheen) but loves chemistry, and the two impulses unite in a wicked plot to slowly poison her. After she dies, he's found guilty and sent to a psychiatric hospital, where an idealistic doctor (Antony Sher) thinks he can be cured. Upon release, Graham finds a job, but struggles to fight back his old urges for murder. The film is based on the true story of the "Teacup Murderer."

Director: Benjamin Ross
Executive Producer: Caroline Hewitt, Cameron McCracken, Eric Stonestrom, Matthew Wilson
Screenwriter: Jeff Rawle, Benjamin Ross
Distributor: Polygram
Production Co: Pandora Cinema
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 23, 1996, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $532.0K
Sound Mix: Surround