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  "description": "St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so what better time is there to review a bit of queer cinema from the Emerald Isle? There is something specific about being gay in Ireland",
  "path": "/review-handsome-devil-2016/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-16T12:12:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.scenemag.co.uk",
  "textContent": "Hello cinema lovers, **St Patrick's Day** is just around the corner, so what better time is there to review a bit of queer cinema from the Emerald Isle? There is something specific about being gay in Ireland. Not just the shame every queer kid knows, but the weight of a small country where everyone knows your business. a country where sport is like a religion, where fitting in can feel like the only way to stay safe. **_Handsome Devil_** gets all of that right.\n\nThe story is set in a rugby-mad Irish boarding school. Ned (**Fionn O'Shea**) is a cute, pale and clever young man who loves music and hates sport. He is bullied constantly, and he is most likely gay, but the film holds that back for a while. One day, into his room and his life arrives Conor (**Nicholas Galitzine**), a handsome rugby star who has been expelled from his last school. The two are forced to share lodgings. Slowly, they become friends. Then things get tricky, as they usually do.\n\nDirector and writer**John Butler** knows comedy; his earlier film,_The Stag_ (2013) proved that. Here he goes deeper and darker. He does not lighten the subject matter. The boarding school setting feels controlling, bleak, but funny. He trusts his cast; it pays off.\n\nNed is the heart of the film. Following _Handsome Devil_ , O'Shea has built a strong career in Irish and UK drama. He featured prominently in _Normal People_ and _House of Guinness_. He is very good at portraying quiet pain. You feel every cruelty directed towards Ned. O'Shea is an Irish actor in an Irish film, which shows. He is not playing gay from an outsider's view. There is something honest about his work that a lesser actor might miss.\n\nConor is a more guarded character, and Galitzine suits the role. His career has gone from strength to strength with roles in _Red, White and Blue_ (2023) and _Mary & George_ (2024). Here, he shows true depth. Conor's sexuality is the film's big secret, and Galitzine portrays it carefully. The scene where he walks into a gay bar alone, late at night, is very effective.\n\nThen there is Dan Sherry (**Andrew Scott**), the boy's English teacher. Scott is from Dublin, proudly gay, and one of the finest actors of his generation. a well-known face today for roles in _Fleabag_ , _Pride_ , or _All of Us Strangers_. Here he is, sharp, warm and scene-stealing. There is also a slight edge to his character, that same quality that made his Moriarty in _Sherlock_ so amazing. His casting as a gay Irish teacher works well.\n\nThe villain of the story is the rugby coach Pascal (**Moe Dunford**), a handsome bully who uses sport to intimidate anyone different. He is well-written and acted. You understand him even though you dislike him. The headmaster (**Michael McElhatton**) is a more laid-back character, a reminder that not every authority figure needs to be harsh.\n\nThe third act moves quickly and wraps up matters a little too neatly. But the key moments work. A scene on a boat between Ned and Conor is quiet and thoughtful. Coner and Ned being honest with each other here is the film at its best, no sweeping soundtrack or rousing speeches. Just two friends who have hurt each other, trying to patch things up.\n\n_Handsome Devil_ won **Best Irish Feature** at the **Dublin Film Critics' Circle** in 2017 and earned four IFTA nominations. A well-deserved success.\n\nThis is Irish cinema sincere and truly queer. With a real point of view, not softened for a mainstream audience. It knows where it comes from, and it is not ashamed to say it. Highly Recommended.\n\n💡\n\n _****Handsome Devil****_ is available on ****Amazon Prime**** ,****Disney Plus**** and****Apple TV****.",
  "title": "REVIEW: Handsome Devil (2016)",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-16T12:12:02.783Z"
}