DIRECTOR
Sam Yates
National Theatre Live: Vanya, Magpie

STARS
Josh O’Connor, Daniel Mays and Hayley Squires

Josh O’Connor performs wholeheartedly in this adaptation of Golden Boy directed by Sam Yates, with a hardworking ensemble that showcases exaggerated accents and larger-than-life characters at the Almeida Theatre. This production follows a young man caught between the life he wants and the one that is developing around him, focusing on themes of love, self-identity, and ambition.

The performance is loud, audacious, and tough. Josh O’Connor’s character, Joe, embodies a “cock-eyed wonder”, constantly watching, waiting, and finding ways to jump into action, take control of his own narrative, and lead with confidence. Even though he is first considered a “student”, his hard work and determination force him to abandon the constructs of who he once was, embracing a more daring version of himself.

Following a traditional Italian-American family, the supporting performances complement his chaotic energy, and juxtapose wonderfully against the familiar, homey environment created by Yates. A lot of dedication is placed into creating a comfortable atmosphere, with a piano composition and an accompanying choir that adds drama to the conflict. At the same time, a budding romance is developed between two characters who express passion and vulnerability but somehow fail to understand each other. As emotions develop, the innocence and passion begin to dissolve, and the production switches to a darker, more intimate atmosphere.

The warmth and tradition soon give way to pain and violence, and instead darkness, distorted sounds, and delirium fill the soundscape. O’Connor captures this vulnerability with a haunting performance, reminding us of the person we can lose in pursuit of our ambitions. However, many scenes are exaggerated and make it difficult to stay immersed as the emotions sometimes become bigger than the words themselves. A production that balances the warmth of old-fashioned influences and design with the darkness of human ambition, Golden Boy asks you a simple question: how much are you willing to sacrifice?

National Theatre Live: Golden Boy is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from November 12th, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks Sharmill Films for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Janer for Moviedoc

Follow on Instagram – @cksjaner

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