Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- wistful
- nostalgic
- intimate
- quiet weekend
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film a sincere but uneven coming-of-age drama whose Australian setting and youthful performances provide its strongest appeal.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Adult Misty narrates the events of one summer from a later stage in his life.
The four orphanage boys compete, openly or secretly, for the possibility of being adopted by Fearless and Teresa.
The boys' Christmas vacation at Lady Star Cove frames friendship, romance, and adolescent discovery against the Australian coast.
Maps, Misty, Sparks, and Spit remain close while adoption hopes and Lucy's presence test their loyalties.
Films like December Boys, and why
The Man in the Moon
shared adolescent friendship, first love, seaside setting, and wistful coming-of-age drama
My Girl
shared nostalgic youth perspective, summer romance, friendship, and bittersweet emotional maturation
The Cider House Rules
shared orphaned or socially vulnerable children, emotional bonds, adoption hopes, and gentle period drama
The Year My Voice Broke
shared Australian coastal atmosphere, youthful adventure, friendship, and romantic awakening
Movie Details
- Director
- Rod Hardy
- Release Date
- 2007-09-14
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (216)
Cast
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Lee Cormie
- Christian Byers
- James Fraser
- Jack Thompson
- Teresa Palmer
- Sullivan Stapleton
- Victoria Hill
- Max Cullen
- Kris McQuade
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is December Boys about?
- Four orphanage friends confront first love, rivalry, and the aching hope of adoption during a transformative summer on Australia's coast.
- What is December Boys like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of December Boys as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is December Boys violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in December Boys.
- What did critics think of December Boys?
- Critics generally found the film a sincere but uneven coming-of-age drama whose Australian setting and youthful performances provide its strongest appeal.
- Which films are like December Boys?
- Films with a similar feel include The Man in the Moon, My Girl, The Cider House Rules, and The Year My Voice Broke.
- How long is December Boys?
- December Boys runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch December Boys?
- In United States, December Boys is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
