Loved Childhood Wonder & Heartbreak of 'Jojo Rabbit'? Taika Waititi's Most Underrated Film Delivers Both

If you loved Jojo Rabbit, that bittersweet story about a young boy, then you must check out Taika Waititi's most underrated film.

The 2010 movie Boy bears the same directorial signature and offers the same blend of sparkling humor and heart-wrenching drama, but on a smaller scale. It lacks a Hollywood budget, but it possesses incredible sincerity.

What Is 'Boy' About?

The story is set in 1984 in the godforsaken New Zealand village of Waihau Bay. 11-year-old Alamein, known to everyone as Boy, lives on a farm with his grandmother, a goat, and his younger brother, Rocky, who genuinely believes he has magical powers.

Their mother has passed away, and their father has been in prison for a long time. Boy idolizes his father, spinning incredible tales about him – claiming that he is a great dancer, like Michael Jackson, and capable of escaping prison with nothing but a spoon.

One day, their father returns, only to reveal himself to be a dim-witted loser and petty criminal who has come back solely to retrieve a bag of money he buried years ago.

Taika Waititi's Brilliance Shines Through in Both His Roles as Actor and Director in 'Boy'

In Boy, Waititi plays dual roles as both the director and the actor playing the father, arguably delivering his finest acting performance.

Initially, his character seems to be a typical Waititi persona: a ridiculous yet endearing man-child who dances like Michael Jackson and plays the tough outlaw. Yet, as the film progresses, a tragic side increasingly emerges beneath that mask.

He is neither villain nor hero but simply a lost man, someone stripped of his wife by life who found no better way to cope with the pain than to retreat into a world of criminal fantasies.

Waititi does not judge his character; instead, he portrays him with a nearly documentary-like honesty. This leaves viewers to ponder the question: who is the real child here – the boy trying to grow up or the father who never did?

'Boy' Is About Shattered Illusions and Laughing Through Tears

Boy is often viewed today as a warm-up act for Jojo Rabbit. The two movies have a lot in common: both tell funny and poignant stories about boys from troubled backgrounds who live in their own imaginary worlds.

The difference lies in the setting: instead of Nazi Germany, the setting is a New Zealand village, and instead of Hitler, the main character has a deadbeat dad – yet another father figure who lets his son down.

Boy is an emotional roller coaster – one moment, we're watching a charming indie comedy about a boy with a vivid imagination, the next, we're moved to tears as his dreams collide with harsh reality.

Waititi isn't afraid to highlight the absurdity of adults with humor, nor is he afraid to address pain seriously. Boy is that rare film that makes you laugh until your sides ache, then immediately brings you to tears – all without ever feeling forced or insincere.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Boy'?

• Boy has 88% from critics and 86% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.5/10.

• On Letterboxd, Boy scored 4.1/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Boy'?

Boy is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.