The Butcher Boy

The Butcher Boy

1998
★★★☆☆ 6.8/10
⏱️ 110 minutes
📅 Released
🌐 EN
ComedyDrama
Francie and Joe live the usual playful, fantasy filled childhoods of normal boys. However, with a violent, alcoholic father and a manic depressive, suicidal mother the pressure on Francie to grow up are immense. When Francie's world turns to madness, he tries to counter it with further insanity, with dire consequences.

Where to Watch (US)

Rent

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Buy

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home

Cast

Eamonn Owens
Eamonn Owens
Francie Brady
Alan Boyle
Alan Boyle
Joe Purcell
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw
Mrs. Nugent
Stephen Rea
Stephen Rea
Da Brady
Ian Hart
Ian Hart
Uncle Arlo
Peter Gowen
Peter Gowen
Leddy

User Reviews

deepkino
A darkly comic and disturbing look at childhood gone wrong in 1960s Ireland. Between Francie Brady’s wild imagination, religious satire, and Sinead O’Connor as a vision of the Virgin Mary, it’s one of the most unique coming-of-age films I’ve ever seen. Funny, tragic, and haunting all at once! The film is a strange one, centering on a sweet and lovely kid who becomes a victim of ostracism.
November 4, 2025

Crew

Director
Neil Jordan
Writer
Neil Jordan, Pat McCabe
Producer
Neil Jordan, Redmond Morris, Stephen Woolley

Production

Geffen Pictures, Butcher Boy Film Productions

Keywords

friendshipsuicidebased on novel or bookpigboarding schoolangeldifficult childhooddark comedyinsane asylumalcoholism