The Good Son: Living or Dead?

About The Good Son

In the 1993 thriller The Good Son, Macaulay Culkin plays a disturbed young boy named Henry who terrorizes his family and those around him. Elijah Wood co-stars as his cousin Mark, who becomes increasingly suspicious of Henry's behavior.

Directed by Joseph Ruben and written by Ian McEwan, The Good Son is a chilling exploration of childhood psychopathy. Culkin delivers a haunting performance as Henry, whose manipulative and sadistic tendencies escalate throughout the film. Wood also shines as Mark, who struggles to reconcile his love for his cousin with the danger he poses.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its suspenseful storytelling and strong performances, while others criticized its disturbing subject matter. However, it has since gained a cult following and is often cited as one of Culkin's most memorable roles.

Overall, The Good Son is a gripping and unsettling thriller that delves into the dark side of childhood. Its themes of family, morality, and mental illness continue to resonate with audiences today.

References:

- Ebert, Roger. "The Good Son." RogerEbert.com, 24 Sep. 1993, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-good-son-1993.

- Maslin, Janet. "Review/Film; A Little Boy's Evil Ways." The New York Times, 24 Sep. 1993, https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/24/movies/review-film-a-little-boy-s-evil-ways.html.