By Amanda Gilmore
Writer-Director Warwick Thornton brings this beautiful examination of spirituality and survival. Heâs questioning the fact that if one faith exists then why canât all faiths exists?
The Film is set at a remote Australian monastery in the ’40s, where a mission for Aboriginal children is run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett). When an Aboriginal boy (a mesmerizing performance by newcomer Aswan Reid) who appears to have special powers is delivered to the monastery the balance of the it becomes challenged. The boyâs Indigenous spiritual life does not gel with the missionâs Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy.
When the new boy arrives, heâs brought into this world he doesnât know, a faith that heâs never encountered. But all he really wants to do is survive. He only knows how to survive in nature. As there is a hierarchy that Sister Eileen gives the boys, the new boy attempts to get to the top of it. Additionally, just as most children believe, he thinks he needs to please those with authority to achieve survival.
The thing that pleases Sister Eileen more than anything is a relic of Christ on the cross which was recently delivered. The new boy observes the nun as she praises the religion and the symbol. Soon, the new boy becomes transfixed by this faith heâs never known. However, when he shows his special powers, Sister Eileen fears them rather than attempting to understand them.
As always, Blanchett delivers a tremendous performance. This time as a nun whose passion for Christianity is deep-rooted and unwavering. Although Sister Eileen is willfully blind to other religions, Blanchett creates space for mystery. We find ourselves wondering if she will open her mind to the new boyâs spirituality.
Thornton delivers the harsh reality about those faithful to Christianity. That it must conquer all and thereâs no space for others. Itâs clear that the new boy was willing to learn and accept another faith. In doing so, itâs a message that other faiths are open to the belief that all can co-exist. Only Christianity believes it should be the sole survivor.
The New Boy screens at Cannes â23:
Fri May 19 at 4PM at DEBUSSY THEATRE
Sat May 20 at 11AM at CINEUM AURORE
Sat May 20 at 5:30PM at BAZIN THEATRE
Sun May 21 at 9AM at CINEUM AURORE
Sun May 21 at 11:15AM at LICORNE
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