The Butcher Boy

The Butcher Boy(1998)

R
02/20/1998 (US)Comedy, Drama1h 50m
6.8

"This little piggy laughed all the way home!"

Overview

Francie and Joe live the usual playful, fantasy filled childhoods of normal boys. However, with a violent, alcoholic father and a manic depressive, suicidal mother the pressure on Francie to grow up are immense. When Francie's world turns to madness, he tries to counter it with further insanity, with dire consequences.

Neil Jordan

Screenplay

Neil Jordan

Director

Pat McCabe

Screenplay

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The Butcher Boy ( 1997 ) Trailer

The Butcher Boy ( 1997 ) Trailer

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A review by deepkino

Written on November 4, 2025

A darkly comic and disturbing look at childhood gone wrong in 1960s Ireland. Between Francie Brady’s wild imagination, religious satire, and Sinead O’Connor as a vision of the Virgin Mary, it’s one of the most unique coming-of-age films I’ve ever seen. Funny, tragic, and haunting all at once! The film is a strange one, centering on a sweet and lovely kid who becomes a victim of ostracism.