Honey Boy and Snap Judgments

by Nathan Robertson

Many of us grew up watching Shia LaBeouf. Whether it was as the mischievous son on Even Stevens or the young criminal seeking redemption in Holes, Shia LaBeouf in some capacity touched many of our lives. We grew up on his acting, never stopping to think if that allowed him to grow up himself.

Shia LaBeouf is Honey Boy and Honey Boy is Shia LaBeouf. This film feels so desperately attached to the actor’s survival that it seems as if one cannot exist without the other. Honey Boy tells Shia’s story. The story of growing up in fame, of a leeching father who sought to control and manipulate, and perhaps most devastatingly of a boy who lives his life only garnering pain from those who supposedly care about him and the eventual aftermath and recovering process of that pain.

LaBeouf began writing Honey Boy while in rehab in order to cope with his recent diagnosis of PTSD. In the time since then, he has been candid about the film’s influence and the struggles he went through with his father. Perhaps the most shocking part of this story though, is that he chose to take on the role of his father himself. The performance is daring, raw, and heartbreaking. While shooting there was high pressure on set to get the shot right because LaBeouf could only get through the scenes once or twice due to the emotional weight.

Honey Boy is as honest a movie you’ll see this year. It invokes its audience to consider how they’ve viewed LaBeouf in the past, whether they were quick to judge his struggles having no idea of the history he had spent his life trying to conquer. Everyone in the film is excellent, from the performances to the directing. There is a strong sense of closeness present in this film, be that the people involved or be that the trust it takes to tell your story to anyone who’s willing to listen.

Go see Honey Boy if you get the chance. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone has a story to tell, even if it’s hard to say.

Rating (Out of 5 stars): ⭑⭑⭑ 1/2

Playing in select theaters.