BY ROMEY NORTON MAY 28, 2024
This torrid true tale of a young boy's desperate survival in the woods makes for an emotional watch.
Richard Armitage (The Hobbit) and Jett Klyne (WandaVison) star in the Canadian drama film The Boy in the Woods. A true holocaust survival story of a young Jewish boy, who is determined to survive against all odds in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe. The Boy in the Woods is based on Maxwell Smart’s #1 bestselling novel, and has done excellently well at film festivals across the globe.
Synopsis
In the lonely woods of eastern Europe Max meets another young Jewish boy called Janek, and together they embark on unbelievable adventures and manage to save the life of an abandoned infant.
Review
Stories that are based on true events always hit the hardest, as there is a piece in your mind that you can’t let go of - knowing someone went through this. WWII films usually have a harrowing tale, a maverick hero, or people surviving against all odds, and The Boy in the Woods doesn’t deviate. It doesn't need to. From the first scene of Max escaping, leaving his mother and little sister behind is harrowing. There is tension from then on as we follow his lonely story of survival.
A lot of the film takes place in the woods, where the trees whisper to Max, and where he and his friend live by hunting for food and drinking from the rain water and river. These sections of the film are beautiful; how the calm and gentle setting contrasts their awful reality and experiences. Here they hide, fear, and try to find some fun in their plight. But this does not last long.
The cinematography is gloomy and grim; really forcing the feelings of poverty, sadness and hopelessness. The scenes become lighter when Max is happier or reliving a memory, telling a story, and this is very effective in playing with the emotions of the audience.
Klyne strongly carries the film, and has some very emotional moments which will stay with you as a viewer. However the acting is compelling, especially for two young actors. Kylne and Armitage share a powerful scene towards the end of the film which moved me to tears.
Whilst towards the conclusion the war is coming to an end and there is some hope and light, the gaze from Max and the gentle orchestral music leaves you feeling weary. I shed a few tears, when you see a photo of the real Max, and how he moved to Canada as an orphan after the war and fulfilled his dream of becoming an artist.
The Boy in the Woods is not only moving, but serves as an important reminder of how devastating war is, especially to innocent children. A must watch.
STAR RATING
The Boy in the Woods is out now on digital platforms