The Good Son: A Family Reunion with a Side of Murder
Welcome to the Evans family, where the only thing more twisted than their family tree is the little boy at the center of it all. Our protagonist, Mark Evans, is the new kid on the block—well, the new kid in the house of horrors, to be precise. After losing his mother, he moves in with his relatives, only to discover that his cousin Henry is less of a “good son” and more of a mini Hannibal Lecter.
Mark, bless his heart, thinks he’s just going to experience the joys of family bonding. You know, the classic activities like playing catch, eating dinner, and trying not to get murdered by your psychopathic cousin. But Henry, portrayed by the ever-so-charming Macaulay Culkin, isn’t just your average kid. He’s got a penchant for violence, a flair for the dramatic, and a collection of dead animals that would make any horror movie villain proud.
As Mark tries to settle into his new life, he quickly realizes that Henry’s idea of fun involves pushing kids off trees and playing with the remains of unfortunate pets. One can only imagine the family gatherings where Henry gets to show off his “artwork.” “Look, Auntie! I made a diorama of how I tortured this squirrel!” Who needs arts and crafts when you’ve got a flair for the macabre?
But here’s the kicker: no one believes Mark when he tries to expose Henry’s dark side. It’s like trying to convince your parents that your brother really did eat the last slice of pizza—nobody wants to hear it. Mark’s attempts to warn the adults are met with dismissive chuckles and eye rolls. “Oh, Mark, dear, you’re just jealous of your cousin’s… unique personality.” Unique? More like uniquely terrifying!
As the film progresses, we get treated to a series of escalating pranks that would make even the most seasoned prankster cringe. Henry’s antics range from the mildly unsettling, like throwing a kid off a slide, to the downright sinister, like convincing Mark to join him in his twisted games. At one point, Henry even attempts to drown his own little brother! Because nothing says “family bonding” like near-death experiences.
Eventually, it all culminates in a showdown that could only occur in a family drama gone horribly wrong. Mark finally confronts Henry, leading to a heart-pounding climax that involves a cliff, a struggle, and the ultimate question: can a kid really be that evil? Spoiler alert: yes, yes he can. And let’s just say that the family picnic is going to be a little tense after this little incident.
In the end, Mark’s innocent struggles to be heard in a world that refuses to acknowledge the evil lurking in the guise of a sweet little boy serve as a darkly humorous reminder that sometimes, family reunions can be a killer. So, if you’re looking for a film that combines childhood innocence with a splash of horror, “The Good Son” hits the nail on the head. Just remember, not all family members are created equal—and some might just be plotting your demise while you’re busy passing the mashed potatoes.