🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Butler
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Sport, Coming-of-Age
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (18K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two boys, one awkward and one sporty, become besties in a rugby-obsessed boarding school and then things get a bit awkward when they have to deal with school politics and personal dramas.
🍿 Handsome Devil: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction of Ned and Conor
Ned Roche, a non-conformist student, is sent to an all-boys boarding school in Ireland where rugby is everything. He feels like an outsider and struggles to fit in. Conor Masters, a star rugby player with a troubled past, arrives at the same school and is forced to share a room with Ned. Initially, they clash due to their different personalities and interests.

Unlikely Friendship and Shared Interests
Despite their initial animosity, Ned and Conor begin to bond over their shared love for music and literature. They form a band and start writing songs together, finding solace and understanding in their friendship. A new English teacher, Mr. Sherry, encourages them to express themselves and embrace their individuality, further strengthening their bond.

Challenges and Societal Pressure
As their friendship deepens, rumors begin to circulate about Conor’s sexuality, putting pressure on both boys. The school’s rugby-obsessed culture and the expectations of their peers and coaches threaten to tear them apart. Conor struggles with his identity and fears the consequences of being openly gay, leading to tension between him and Ned.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ned Roche (Fionn O’Shea): A non-conforming and intellectual student at a rugby-obsessed boarding school who forms an unexpected friendship with a star athlete.
- Conor Masters (Nicholas Galitzine): A talented rugby player with a troubled past who finds an unlikely connection with his outcast roommate.
- Dan Sherry (Andrew Scott): An unconventional English teacher who encourages his students to find their own voices and be true to themselves.
- Walter Curly (Michael McElhatton): The headmaster of the boarding school who grapples with tradition and the changing attitudes of his students.
- Pascal O’Keeffe (Moe Dunford): The intense and demanding rugby coach who embodies the school’s obsession with the sport.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dan Sherry: “If you spend your whole life being someone else, who’s gonna be you?” – This quote encapsulates the film’s central theme of self-acceptance and authenticity.
- Dan Sherry: “There will come a point in the future when you won’t have to lie anymore.” – Sherry offers hope to Conor, suggesting a future where he can be open about his sexuality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: €1,055,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $129,391
💥 Handsome Devil Reviews
Personal Review
I really connected with Handsome Devil. It’s more than just a ‘coming out’ story, it’s about finding your voice and being true to yourself. Andrew Scott as the English teacher was phenomenal, and the friendship between Ned and Conor felt so real. Seeing them navigate the pressures of school and expectations really resonated with me, especially during the talent show.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themes”
- “Those who enjoy heartwarming and thought-provoking dramas”
- “People who appreciate Irish cinema”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Bullying”
- “Homophobia”
- “Some strong language”
- “Mature themes related to identity and self-acceptance”
Professional Reviews
- Film-Arcade.net: “A really touching coming-of-age tale, about being an outcast and not fitting in. This film is more specifically about being gay, but it could be about anyone that doesn’t fit in and it would still have the same message. I loved it!
- Unknown: “Dead Poets Society with a twist! A new English teacher inspires students, but this time the characters are openly gay, adding a unique dimension. Equally moving, with great acting. Definitely worth watching!
Audience Reactions
The ending was predictable, but it was exactly what the movie needed after all the emotional turmoil!: Viewers appreciated the relatable storyline about feeling like an outcast and finding where you belong.
The connection between the English teacher and the students, and the themes of self-discovery, were incredibly powerful.: Many people found the performances by Andrew Scott, Fionn O’Shea, and Nicholas Galitzine to be exceptional and compelling.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age story that tackles themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and finding your voice, even in the face of adversity.
Awards
- Irish Film & Television Awards (Best Supporting Actor)- 2018
- Irish Film & Television Awards (Best Script)- 2018
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Certain scenes were filmed at Castleknock College, a real Irish rugby school, adding authenticity to the setting.”
- “Brian O’Driscoll, widely regarded as Ireland’s greatest rugby player, choreographed the rugby scenes, ensuring their realism.”
🖥️ How to Watch Handsome Devil?
Handsome Devil is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix. It is also available for purchase or rental through various online services, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Handsome Devil, you might like these similar films:
- Dead Poets Society (1989): Shares the theme of an unconventional teacher inspiring students to find their own voices.
- Love, Simon (2018): Another coming-of-age story centered around a gay teenager navigating high school and identity.
- Sing Street (2016): Set in Ireland, it deals with themes of teenage angst, music, and finding one’s place.
🛒 Handsome Devil Related Products
- Handsome Devil [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of cinematic art with this Blu-ray edition. Experience the sharp visuals and touching story in high definition, perfect for any film collector.
- Handsome Devil Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this eye-catching movie poster. A must-have for fans of Handsome Devil, perfect for adding a touch of inspiration to any room.
- Handsome Devil-Inspired ‘Be Yourself’ T-Shirt: Wear your heart on your sleeve with this Handsome Devil-inspired t-shirt. Features a quote from the movie. Comfortable and stylish.
- Andrew Scott Collection – Digital Movie Bundle: Enjoy a collection of Andrew Scott’s best performances. From his role in Handsome Devil to other critically acclaimed movies, this bundle is a must-have for fans of the talented actor.
🎧 Soundtrack
Handsome Devil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Handsome Devil was primarily filmed at Castleknock College in Castleknock, Fingal, Ireland, which served as the setting for the boarding school.
The main message of Handsome Devil is about self-acceptance, the importance of being true to yourself, and standing up against prejudice and societal expectations.
Handsome Devil is not based on a specific true story, but it draws inspiration from common experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and the challenges they face in traditional and often restrictive environments.
🔥 Bonus Content
That Handsome Devil – Charlie’s Inferno (Fan Video)
Ever wonder what kind of creative content a movie inspires? This awesome animated music video, clearly inspired by similar themes, is wildly popular. It’s a pretty cool, alternative take, you should really check it out!
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Curious about what the critics thought of ‘My Cousin Rachel’? Mark Kermode gives his take in this review, and he always has interesting things to say. See if you agree with his insights – it’s always fun to hear another opinion!
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