Opened: April 21, 2017

Directed by: John Butler

Starring: Fionn O’Shea, Nicholas Galitzine, Andrew Scott, Moe Dunford & Michael McElhatton

For once, I’ve found an Irish film that doesn’t have a completely depressing ending.

Ned (Fionn O’Shea) is tormented by the guys at his all-boys boarding school because (1) he hates rugby and (2) he’s gay. When Conor (Nicholas Galitzine), the school’s new rugby star, gets roomed with Ned, both will face their own tests.

The definition of “being a man” and how one is perceived in society is questioned throughout the film. And it’s done so with care despite the tensions of the boys at school.

While I enjoyed both O’Shea and Galitzine’s performances, I was a bit dismayed that their characters didn’t have more of a love story, which is what you’re lead to believe will happen throughout.

Final say: Not a love story, but still an interesting one. ★★★★☆