The Mudge Boy tells the story of Duncan Mudge quietly played by Emile Hirsch. While his father struggles to maintain their small farm and hold their fragile relationship together, the boy deals with the loss of his mother whom he loved dearly. After his mother dies, the boy struggles to develop an uneasy alliance with his father and a close friendship with his friend Perry, who himself endures mounting physical abuse at home and a troubling bisexual personality. Unable to bond with teen friends, Duncan develops a deep kinship with his pet chickens. This in turn spurs jeers and harsh ridicule from his peers. The film depicts the unstable friendship of Duncan and Perry as the younger boy is drawn towards and is fascinated with the older boy's sexual promiscuity which results in an unexpected rape. Despite the tragedy the boy and his father deal with, the end result is one of enduring parental love and understanding. A fine film for those seeking a movie with heart. ***
Review of The Mudge Boy
