When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the shortlists for the 96th Academy Awards, independently made and Somerset-shot comedy-drama short film ‘GOOD BOY’ found itself 1 of 15 hopefuls to make it as an Oscar nominee come January 23rd’s announcements.
Starring ‘Paddington’s own Ben Whishaw & ‘The Crown’ star Marion Bailey, ‘GOOD BOY’ is the directorial debut of Tom Stuart and has sparked ripples of excitement through the British film industry. This buzz has recently culminated in Dame Emma Thompson joining as Executive Producer: “It’s hard to make grief funny at the same time as painful, and this beautifully realized story about letting go is as perfect as it gets. Ben Whishaw gives a performance of remarkable intensity and sweetness, seasoned with the rage of loss and confusion.
Tom Stuart’s film has a light heart but a steely truth – its fifteen minutes is thrillingly touching. It’s beautiful and moving and profoundly needed right now.”
‘GOOD BOY’ follows Danny (Whishaw), out of money and out of luck, whose attempt to rob a bank with his anarchic mum (Bailey) is derailed by bizarre manifestations from their past. The film centers around themes of grief and is directly inspired by Stuart’s own experiences of bereavement.
It is endorsed by Bristol-based charity Let’s Talk About Loss and has appeared to touch the hearts of some of Britain’s most respected actors, who have offered their thoughts:
“Beautiful performances from Ben Whishaw and Marion Bailey. The power of a great short is exemplified in this touching film. Bravo to Tom Stuart” – Lesley Manville
Despite its serious underlying themes, Good Boy has earned further praise for portraying grief against a backdrop of colorful imagery and quirky comedy:
“It’s a really beautiful film. It’s funny and sad, and painful and heartening. A perfect balance of light and dark. It’s mischievous!” – Jim Broadbent
“Gorgeous. I laughed and cried in the space of 10 mins! Most features can’t do that! Beautiful, funny AND heartbreaking. Marion and Ben are both brilliant. What a perfect pairing. What a treat. Loved loved loved” – Olivia Colman
‘GOOD BOY’ is a delight. As moving and profound as it is quirky and hilarious, it is a miniature breath of fresh air.”- Mike Leigh
“A short film navigating the overwhelming impotence of Death, movingly essayed by Ben Whishaw” – Richard E Grant
“A marvelous mixture of intrigue, melancholy, hope, colors and so delicately acted.” – Celia Imrie
Now shortlisted for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, ‘GOOD BOY’, edited by BAFTA-winner Selina MacArthur, finds itself in direct competition with short films from some of the largest studios in Hollywood. Even so, there is a noted charm in its British sensibility:
“An absolutely glorious film. In a sea of short films it stands out as so memorable, quirky, funny and piercingly moving. Bravo!” – Stephen Fry
“What a beautiful, moving, funny, succinct film. It feels like a much bigger piece of work, such is the depth of the story telling, but somehow it is blessed with the lightest touch, which provides absolute delicacy in this remarkable and heartfelt film. Two great actors. One extraordinary debut.” – Imelda Staunton
