Hey Lovelies, 

For a long time now, Shia LaBeouf has been changing the roles he built his career around. Whether it is taking on the form of human art or characters many wouldn’t expect him to play, he is testing his true talents. Something incredibly powerful when it comes to Honey Boy, out today on DVD and digitally.

When twenty-something actor Otis (Lucas Hedges), finds himself growing up to be a successful figure of the screen, he discovers not all is right personally. Every emotion, feeling and personal reaction causes him to begin to self-harm, leading to a stint in rehab. A place where he spends time reflecting on the relationship he had with his father as a young boy. One that causes him to ask questions he may never find the answer to.

LaBeouf is a powerhouse within the feature. Up against Hedges, the pair know how to bounce off each other to give audiences a gripping feature from start to finish. With the film coming from his personal experiences, ones he wrote about in rehab, it provides audiences with a look into his mind. After years of seeing him try and defy the media, you can see why he has become someone who wants to remain an enigma.

LaBeouf’s portrayal of what is ultimately his father is a sad one to witness. Of course, moments have been changed for dramatic effect, but it makes watching how Hedges reacts to LaBeouf so interesting. He shows the abuse that he suffered from a young age. All from memories recalled by him. A personal therapy session played out on screen in many ways. An incredible wild thing to witness.

This theme continues throughout, with LaBeouf taking real actions and placing them on-screen. His thoughts are so out there, and it is easy to see how much LaBeouf wants to control the moment, but only to give audiences an honest representation. He knows that there are times when some might not believe him or that the event didn’t really happen, but it works still. Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels too much. It all feels like being a fly on a celebrity’s wall.

The film is ultimately a sad affair though. LaBeouf has done something that not many celebrities do. He has opened up in a deeply personal manner and allowed Hedges to take the reins as him. He plays the man who abused and affected him. He allows audiences in and bares it all. Something that as an audience member is valued constantly from start to finish. Never will LaBeouf be judged the same way again.