Boyz in the Wood

Delirious, dark and outrageously funny, Boyz in the Wood defies easy classification. It’s a wild and offbeat journey into the Scottish Highlands that blends biting social commentary with a sprinkle of drugs and violence, delivering a cult film in the making.

Surreal and weird, with undeniable verve and energy, this is a film unafraid to tell it like it is. Think Trainspotting mixed with Calibre, but with more humour. Four teenage boys, brought to the Highlands as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, are left in the wilderness with only the vaguest sense of direction and sent on their way. Disillusioned Dean (Rian Gordon), inept arsonist Duncan (Lewis Gribben) and would-be DJ Beatroot (Viraj Juneja) are joined by home-schooled Ian (Samuel Bottomley), and the four immediately land themselves in trouble. They destroy their only map, discover explosive hash and realise they are being hunted by a pair of tweed-wearing upper-crust masked terrors (Eddie Izzard and Georgie Glen) who are aiming to purge the Highlands of disenfranchised youth. 

Debut writer-director Ninian Doff keeps the film fresh and well paced, with hilarious chat that’s balanced by doses of pagan horror. From British hip-hop and rural anarchy through to blundering police and social outrage, Boyz in the Wood showcases exciting Scottish talent. [15]

Boyz in the Wood is nominated for the 2019 Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film.