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Handsome Devil (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Handsome Devil (2017) movie poster

Handsome Devil is a 2017 drama directed by John Butler, starring Fionn O'Shea, Hugh O'Conor and Michael McElhatton. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $129,391 worldwide on a $1.1 million budget. It earned 4 award nominations, including Actor in a leading role at the IFTA Awards 2018. Critics gave it 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
84%
worldwide gross
$129.4K
award nominations
4
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Handsome Devil (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Director
John Butler
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$1.1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Handsome Devil About?

The premise of Handsome Devil without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

At a traditional Irish boarding school, shy and artistic Ned finds himself paired with popular rugby player Conor, much to their mutual dismay. As they navigate the strict environment and overcome their differences, an unexpected friendship develops, fostered by their encouraging English teacher, Mr. Sherry. However, their burgeoning bond is challenged by the school’s ambitious rugby coach, Pascal, who seeks to preserve his authority and control over the school’s athletic program.

Handsome Devil Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay teenager
  • coming of age
  • rugby
  • boarding school
  • gay son
  • gay athlete
  • gay schoolboy
  • gay bar
  • loner
  • bullying
  • gay slur
  • gay crush
+38 more
  • gay teacher
  • gay student
  • gay acceptance
  • gay roommate
  • coming out
  • homophobia
  • friendship between boys
  • english teacher
  • gay bashing
  • gay taunting
  • gay angst
  • closeted gay
  • gay rugby player
  • internalized homophobia
  • gay club
  • gay protagonist
  • gay boy
  • gay flirting
  • gay nerd
  • public humiliation
  • gay
  • teacher student relationship
  • father son relationship
  • gay cinema
  • closeted homosexual
  • star athlete
  • ireland
  • absent parent
  • red hair
  • team work
  • prejudice
  • rugby player
  • bad singing
  • apology
  • scar
  • punishment
  • missing person
  • missing friend
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Cast & crew

Handsome Devil Cast

Fionn O'Shea leads the cast, with Hugh O'Conor and Michael McElhatton. Directed by John Butler; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Handsome Devil Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Handsome Devil 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in story & flow (60).

75 /100

Handsome Devil Echo Score Breakdown

Handsome Devil presents a grounded coming-of-age narrative that balances earnest themes with familiar dramatic beats. Its strength lies in likable characters and resonant performances that elevate a predictable storyline. While the pacing occasionally leans on formulaic structures and the thematic delivery can feel heavy-handed, the film’s optimistic tone and authentic emotional moments sustain viewer engagement. In sum, this modestly compelling drama offers heartfelt warmth despite limited originality.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of visual presentation and direction, Handsome Devil delivers a serviceable but occasionally formulaic cinematic framework. The film employs familiar boarding school settings and straightforward editing that support the narrative without drawing attention. While the pacing and stylistic choices can feel conventional at times, the overall craft remains coherent and complements the story’s earnest tone.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    In terms of character development and performance, the film benefits from strong lead portrayals that bring emotional depth to the central friendship. Interactions feel credible, and the teacher-student dynamic provides authentic resonance. Some supporting roles lack complexity, yet the principal cast’s chemistry and nuanced deliveries sustain the film’s emotional core and invite viewer empathy.

  • Story & Flow 60

    When it comes to plot and narrative flow, the film follows a familiar coming-of-age structure with occasional predictability. Pacing shifts between earnest drama and lighthearted moments, which can undermine momentum. Although thematic intentions are clear, some developments adhere closely to genre conventions. Overall, the storyline remains engaging but lacks substantial originality.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of auditory and visual elements, the soundtrack stands out with well-chosen tracks that enhance key scenes. The sound design supports dialogue and atmosphere without distraction. Visually, the film employs a restrained palette reflecting its sincere tone, though there are no distinctive stylistic flourishes. Altogether, sensory components reliably underscore the narrative mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of rewatch value, Handsome Devil offers a warmhearted tone and moments of genuine emotional connection that can reward repeat viewings. Its modest runtime and thematic clarity encourage further reflection on the central relationships. However, reliance on familiar structures may limit long-term surprise. Overall, the film maintains a pleasant but not compelling rewatch appeal.

Plot

Handsome Devil Plot Summary

What happens in Handsome Devil from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the challenging environment of Wood Hill College, where the focus is primarily on rugby, Ned stands apart as an individual who has little interest in the sport that consumes his classmates. Everything changes when Conor, a prominent rugby player, is assigned as his new roommate. Though their initial interactions are marked by wariness, the two young men gradually form a meaningful friendship, united by their shared love for music. Their lives become even more enriched with the arrival of Mr. Sherry, an English teacher whose strict yet supportive demeanor helps them navigate the complexities of school life.

Full summary

The whole story of Handsome Devil, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Handsome Devil Box Office & Budget

Handsome Devil grossed $129,391 worldwide on a $1.1 million budget, 12% of what it cost.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$129.4K

12% of its budget back

International
$129.4K
Budget
$1.1M
Awards

Handsome Devil Awards & Nominations

Handsome Devil earned 4 award nominations, including Actor in a leading role at the IFTA Awards 2018.

4 nominations1 ceremony

  • Irish Film & Television Awards logo
    IFTA Awards 2018 4 nominations
    • Nominated Actor in a leading role
    • Nominated Actor in a supporting role
    • Nominated Director
    • Nominated Scriptwriter
Videos

Handsome Devil Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Handsome Devil.

Handsome Devil Trailer (2017) | Breaking Glass Pictures | BGP Indie Movie
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Handsome Devil?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What sport is central to the environment of Wood Hill College?

Details

Handsome Devil Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “La beauté du diable” and “우정의 조건”.

Also known as
  • La beauté du diable
  • 우정의 조건
  • Derrubando Barreiras
  • שטן חתיך
  • Piękny drań
  • Όμορφος Διάβολος
  • Pokušitel
  • Şeytan Tüyü
  • 帅气的恶魔
  • Чёртов красавчик
  • Vörös ördög
  • แฮนด์ซัม เดวิล, სიმპათიური
+2 more
  • ぼくたちのチーム
  • 帥氣惡魔

Seen Handsome Devil?

FAQ

Handsome Devil FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Handsome Devil, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Handsome Devil?

Handsome Devil runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).

When was Handsome Devil released?

Handsome Devil was released on June 2, 2017.

Who directed Handsome Devil?

Handsome Devil was directed by John Butler.

More films by John Butler

Who is in the cast of Handsome Devil?

Handsome Devil stars Fionn O'Shea, Hugh O'Conor and Michael McElhatton, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Handsome Devil make at the box office?

Handsome Devil grossed $129,391 worldwide on a budget of $1.1 million.

How is Handsome Devil rated?

Handsome Devil has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic and 71% on TMDB.

Was Handsome Devil nominated for any awards?

Handsome Devil received 4 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does Handsome Devil have a post-credit scene?

No. Handsome Devil has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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