When an American nanny arrives in a British country home, she discovers she's paid to look after a doll.

I am so surprised to see the relatively low score and number of negative reviews, I was really impressed by this movie, it was original, intelligent and kept me wondering through to the end. I can see why some would dislike it, those perhaps that were expecting a Chucky style film. In fact this film is a cleverly conceived, well crafted thriller. I appreciate some bits are far fetched, such as the ex boyfriend's arrival, and of course the conclusion, but as for being watchable I couldn't take my eyes off it for a second for fear of missing something.

Well acted by all, this is a film I will definitely watch again. 9/10

THE BOY is another example of the creepy/subtle/old-fashioned 'ghost story' genre that is now back in vogue with the likes of THE CONJURING, SINISTER, and the INSIDIOUS movies. These go back-to-basics in their approach, eschewing gore effects for more old-fashioned jump scares and general foreboding and creepiness. I find them slightly overrated - the older classics of the genre such as THE UNINVITED and THE HAUNTING are by default much better - but THE BOY is one of the better ones of recent years.

It helps that the story is fresh and simple. The photography is good, with Canadian standing in well for olde England. WALKING DEAD star Lauren Cohan brings her typical understated professionalism to the part of a nanny employed to look after the son of an elderly couple who discovers that the son is in fact a life size doll. Yes, it's creepy doll time again, and while I didn't find the doll in the least bit scary here, at least it looks suitably effective.

The setting is a decent one and Cohan keeps you watching without going over the top. Some of the roles, such as Rupert Evans playing the random love interest, are pretty clichéd. THE BOY is notable for featuring a massive plot twist at the climax which turns the whole story on its head, but I didn't mind it too much; it's not how I would have seen things play out had I written the thing, but it's done quite effectively here.

After the traumatic separation of her boyfriend Cole (Ben Robson),the American Greta Evans (Lauren Cohan) flees to London. She is hired by Mrs. Heelshire (Diana Hardcastle) and Mr. Heelshire (Jim Norton) to be the nanny of their beloved son Brahms. Greta travels to an old and isolated manor in the countryside and is welcomed by the old couple. She receives rules to be followed and when she is introduced to Brahms, she realizes that he is a doll. Soon Mr. And Mrs. Heelshire travel on vacation and Greta befriends the delivery boy Malcolm (Rupert Evans). When she decides to give no attention to the doll, weird things happen and Greta believes there is a spirit trapped in the doll. Is she losing her sanity?

"The Boy" is a good surprise of the horror genre. The Brazilian title induces the viewer to believe that "The Boy" would be a rip-off Chucky, but it is not. Despite the flawed story that does not explains how the eight year-boy Brahms has survived and grow-up alone, the film entertains. Last but not the least, it is always great to see Lauren "Maggie" Cohan on the screen. My vote is seven.

Title (Brail): "Boneco do Mal" ("Doll of Evil")