Handsome Devil

Handsome Devil follows a teenage misfit whose love of music clashes with the rough, rugby-obsessed world of a rural boarding school. When a charismatic new roommate arrives, the two boys strike up an unlikely friendship that pulls them out of their cliques. The boy who once kept to the margins discovers a confident side as he shares melodies, rehearsals, and late night jam sessions, while his roommate begins to see beyond swagger and team talk. The film threads humor and warmth through awkward encounters, teasing out the tension between a culture that prizes physical prowess and a quieter, more expressive form of identity. It is a tender look at friendship, courage, and belonging.

Directed by John Butler, Handsome Devil arrived in 2017 as a compact Irish drama with lighthearted humor. Made on a modest budget of about 1.05 million, it features a strong young cast led by Fionn O'Shea and Nicholas Galitzine.

Box office data for Handsome Devil isn’t publicly listed, reflecting its niche release rather than a wide international rollout. The film has lived primarily within festival circuits and domestic markets, where its modest footprint is measured more by reception than revenue.

Culturally Handsome Devil adds to a line of Irish coming of age stories that mix humor with earnest questions about identity, masculinity, and self expression. The friendship at its center challenges rugby club norms and offers a quiet counterpoint to swagger, leaving audiences with a hopeful take on belonging and resilience.

Critics praised the performances, especially the chemistry between the leads, and noted how the film balances humor with sincerity. Its themes center on friendship across social divides, staying true to yourself, and finding your voice when the pressure to conform is loudest. Music acts as a bridge, softening the rough edges of a rugby culture that prizes toughness. Handsome Devil leaves you rooting for the underdog and hopeful that empathy can redefine a crowded room.