Handsome Devil 2017
Directed by
John Butler
Made by
Breaking Glass Pictures
Plot Summary
In the challenging environment of Wood Hill College, where the focus is primarily on rugby, Ned stands apart as an individual who has little interest in the sport that consumes his classmates. Everything changes when Conor, a prominent rugby player, is assigned as his new roommate. Though their initial interactions are marked by wariness, the two young men gradually form a meaningful friendship, united by their shared love for music. Their lives become even more enriched with the arrival of Mr. Sherry, an English teacher whose strict yet supportive demeanor helps them navigate the complexities of school life.
As they face the harsh realities of homophobia hurled at them by classmates and their rugby coach, Pascal, the atmosphere grows increasingly tense. One night, Conor’s life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly finds Mr. Sherry at a gay bar with his male partner, leading both boys to confront their own truths. It becomes clear that Conor is wrestling with a deeply kept secret regarding his sexual orientation, which he has been forced to hide from those around him.
The pressure between Ned and Conor intensifies until it reaches a breaking point at a local elementary school talent show, where they had been enthusiastically preparing to perform with Mr. Sherry’s encouragement. However, Pascal, determined to maintain his control over the situation, threatens and manipulates Conor into abandoning Ned. He uses Weasel, a fellow student, to dig into Conor’s past, particularly focusing on why he got into fights at his previous school. Weasel uncovers that Conor had to defend himself after being outed as gay, giving Pascal leverage to blackmail Conor, warning him that failure to change his friendships could result in his secret being exposed.
Overwhelmed by the strain, Conor chooses not to attend the talent show, leaving Ned confused and frustrated. The tension escalates during a rugby rally when Conor publicly rejects Ned, leading to a moment of desperation where Ned takes matters into his own hands and reveals Conor’s secret to the entire team. This impulsive act results in Ned facing suspension, while Conor disappears, leaving both individuals filled with regret and heartache.
As the much-anticipated championship match approaches, the rugby team feels the absence of their once-charismatic leader, Conor. Fortunately, Ned, embodying loyalty and reason, ventures out to find Conor and brings him back to the stadium. In an impassioned moment, Ned and Conor join forces to convey to Pascal and their teammates that being gay does not diminish a person’s skill or dedication to the sport. Faced with the support of the team, Pascal is ultimately compelled to accept them, fostering a renewed sense of unity among the players.
Meanwhile, during the climax of the match, Mr. Sherry bravely decides to come out to the headmaster, a revelation that will significantly impact the school community. Following these transformative events, Ned returns to his academics, pouring all his thoughts and emotional journey into a heartfelt essay entitled “Handsome Devil,” reflecting on the beauty and power of unexpected friendships.
Timeline
Ned's Isolation at Wood Hill College
At Wood Hill College, a prestigious institution focused on rugby, Ned feels out of place among his rugby-obsessed classmates. While they are all consumed by the sport, he finds solace in his love for music, further emphasizing his individuality in an unwelcoming environment.
Conor Becomes Ned's Roommate
The dynamics of Ned's life shift dramatically when Conor, a talented rugby player, is assigned as his new roommate. Initially, their relationship is mired in suspicion, as both boys are unsure about each other's intentions and backgrounds.
Bonding Over Music
As they spend time together, Ned and Conor discover a shared passion for music that helps bridge the gap between their seemingly different worlds. Their friendship blossoms as they find joy and understanding in their common interests, despite their initial wariness.
Mr. Sherry's Arrival
The introduction of Mr. Sherry, a strict yet supportive English teacher at Wood Hill, plays a pivotal role in Ned and Conor's lives. He encourages them academically while also providing guidance to navigate the pressures of school life, becoming a comforting figure for both boys.
Facing Homophobia
As Conor and Ned grow closer, they begin to experience the harsh realities of being marginalized at school. They face rampant homophobia from peers and their rugby coach, Pascal, creating a toxic atmosphere that tests their burgeoning friendship.
A Shocking Discovery
Conor's world is shaken when he unexpectedly encounters Mr. Sherry at a gay bar with his partner. This revelation forces both Ned and Conor to confront their own identities and the societal pressures that come with them, especially as Conor struggles with his hidden sexual orientation.
Talent Show Tensions
The excitement for the upcoming elementary school talent show amplifies the tension between Ned and Conor. Their long-awaited performance is jeopardized when Pascal manipulates Conor, threatening to expose his secret in order to retain control over him.
Blackmail and Heartbreak
Pascal leverages Conor's past experiences of being bullied to blackmail him, leading to a devastating choice. Overwhelmed by fear and pressure, Conor decides to skip the talent show, leaving Ned feeling bewildered and heartbroken by the turn of events.
Public Rejection
Tensions peak during a rugby rally when Conor publicly rejects Ned, further deepening the rift in their friendship. In a moment fueled by frustration, Ned reveals Conor's secret to the entire team, an impulsive act that alters their lives forever.
Consequences of Betrayal
Ned faces severe consequences for his actions, risking suspension as he grapples with the weight of his choices. Meanwhile, Conor disappears, leaving both boys enveloped in regret and a profound sense of loss that underscores their complicated situation.
Searching for Conor
As the rugby championship nears, Ned feels the void left by Conor's absence. Determined to make amends and rekindle their friendship, he sets out on a quest to find Conor and bring him back to the stadium, demonstrating loyalty amidst turmoil.
Standing Up to Pascal
In a powerful moment, Ned and Conor unite to confront Pascal and the rugby team, advocating for acceptance. They boldly assert that a person's sexual orientation does not diminish their commitment to the sport, challenging the prejudices that have held them captive.
Mr. Sherry's Brave Revelation
Amidst the climax of the championship match, Mr. Sherry takes a courageous step by coming out to the headmaster. His decision marks a significant turning point for the school, promoting discussions about acceptance within the wider school community.
Ned's Reflective Essay
After the life-altering events, Ned channels his experiences into a poignant essay titled 'Handsome Devil.' Through his writing, he articulates the profound impact of friendship and the strength found in embracing one's true self.
Characters
Ned
Ned stands out as an individual unafraid to embrace his identity despite societal pressures. He is supportive, loyal, and ultimately becomes a catalyst for change, embodying bravery as he challenges the status quo.
Conor
Conor is a talented rugby player grappling with his sexuality in a conformist environment. He is initially conflicted and cautious, navigating familial and societal pressures before ultimately finding strength in his friendship with Ned.
Mr. Sherry
Mr. Sherry is a strict yet empathetic English teacher who supports Ned and Conor through their challenges. His journey to self-acceptance and courage to come out is pivotal, impacting both the student body and the broader community.
Pascal
Pascal is the rugby coach who embodies toxic masculinity, using manipulation to maintain control over his players. He represents the adversarial forces against which Conor and Ned must fight for acceptance.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary period where themes of acceptance and personal identity are prominent. It reflects the ongoing struggles individuals face in educational environments, particularly regarding issues of sexuality and friendship.
Location
Wood Hill College
Wood Hill College is a prestigious institution where academics take a backseat to the sport of rugby. Known for its competitive environment, it fosters a culture of camaraderie and rivalry among students, often challenging individual interests and identities.
Themes
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Acceptance
Acceptance is a core theme as characters navigate their identities in a sports-centric environment. The film highlights the struggles against homophobia while showcasing the importance of supportive friendships in overcoming societal obstacles.
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Friendship
The bond between Ned and Conor evolves through their shared passion for music, illustrating that friendships can transcend societal pressures. Their relationship becomes a source of strength that empowers them to confront their challenges together.
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Sports Pressure
The movie portrays the intense pressure associated with sports, particularly rugby, which shapes the lives of young men. The conflict between personal desires and societal expectations is a recurring struggle faced by the characters.
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