Set at an Irish all-boy boarding school where rugby is a religion and conformity a creed, Handsome Devil is a lovely coming-of- age dramedy. Neither Ned, an introverted book-loving misfit, nor the new star rugby player Conor expects the unexpected friendship that will test their identities, their peers, and their anxieties.
Handsome Devil Official Trailer
Handsome Devil Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Handsome Devil |
| Movies Info: | Ireland (2016) |
| Length: | 95 minutes |
| Is Handsome Devil BL? | Yes, there's a BL romance. |
| Genre: | Drama / Sport / Boy's love |
Plot
Ned Roche doesn’t belong in his rugby-obsessed boarding school. With his dyed red hair, sharp wit, and love for music and poetry, he’s been cast out to the school’s margins. All he wants is to get expelled. Then along comes Conor, a quiet, stoic transfer student with exceptional rugby talent who is immediately idolized by the school.
To Ned’s dismay, the two are made roommates. But instead of the jock/bully trope, a tentative bond forms between them. As their friendship deepens, so too do questions around identity, loyalty, and self-expression. Their bond is tested by a suspicious coach, a closeted English teacher (played brilliantly by Andrew Scott), and the suffocating pressure to conform.
In a world where silence is safer than honesty, Handsome Devil urges: if you dare, speak your truth.
Handsome Devil Cast
Charactor
A sharp-tongued, music-loving outsider navigating a hostile all-boys school.
Fionn O'Shea
O’Shea brings both wit and fragility to the role, perfectly embodying the internal tug-of-war between anger and vulnerability.
The school’s new rugby prodigy, hiding secrets beneath his composed surface.
Nicholas Galitzine
Galitzine offers a nuanced performance, balancing the quiet strength of a team leader with the private fears of a closeted teenager.
The English teacher trying to protect his students while living a life of self-erasure.
Andrew Scott
Scott delivers layered emotion in small gestures. His restrained portrayal deepens the film’s emotional core.
Director
John Butler
An openly gay Irish filmmaker, Butler infuses Handsome Devil with sincerity and personal insight. He previously directed The Stag and has spoken openly about using film to challenge Irish masculinity and homophobia. This film marks his most heartfelt and accessible work to date.
Movie Highlight
A rare platonic queer bond that defies high school tropes.
Rugby as a metaphor for masculinity, acceptance, and breaking free.
Andrew Scott’s subtle yet heartbreaking performance as a closeted teacher.
Iconic soundtrack moments, including heartfelt violin duets and indie rock needle drops.
Final match scene as a symbolic coming-out moment.
“If you dare” speech – a pivotal call to authenticity that lands with emotional punch.
Handsome Devil Review
Review
🌟 Story — 4/5
The film touches on familiar territory—school bullying, internalized homophobia, coming out—but does so with warmth and intelligence. It avoids being preachy, instead relying on subtle dialogue and character growth to tell its story. The rugby-as-metaphor is a bit on the nose, but forgivable in light of its sincerity.
🌟 Acting — 4/5
Fionn O’Shea as Ned brings a delightful blend of sarcasm and vulnerability. Nicholas Galitzine as Conor is quiet and brooding, and his performance deepens over the course of the film. Andrew Scott’s English teacher Dan is a standout—a closeted adult offering guidance from the sidelines, his storyline echoing the boys’ dilemmas with quiet poignancy.
🌟 Chemistry — 4.5/5
The film’s emotional pull hinges on the unlikely bond between Ned and Conor, which is built with care, hesitation, and ultimately, loyalty. Their relationship never veers into romance but instead represents something rarer: platonic intimacy and deep understanding. That said, the subtext is rich and resonant for queer viewers.
🌟 Production — 3.5/5
Set against Ireland’s rolling hills and gothic school halls, the cinematography is bright and inviting. The film has a music-forward style, using original songs and indie rock to amplify emotional beats. Some character arcs (especially the rugby teammates) feel underdeveloped, but the main trio holds it together.
🌟 Ending — 4/5
An optimistic resolution that affirms identity without unrealistic triumph. Conor finally stands up for himself and his friendship with Ned. The crowd behind him is a bit of a cliché, but it lands emotionally nonetheless. Dan’s arc closes in bittersweet silence, giving the film an understated yet powerful close.
Handsome Devil Information
Awards & Recognition
🌟 Nominated for Best Feature at the Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA)
🎼 Soundtrack praised for capturing teenage yearning and rebellion
💡 Featured at multiple LGBTQ+ film festivals worldwide
Where to Watch
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