Five years after its initial release, Eoin Macken's Here Are The Young Men is finally getting the attention it deserves, thanks to its arrival on Amazon Prime. The film, which stars a pre-Queen's Gambit Anya Taylor-Joy, is a raw and unflinching look at the reckless abandon of youth and the harsh consequences that can follow.
The story follows three recent Dublin graduates—Matthew (Dean-Charles Chapman), Kearney (Finn Cole), and Rez (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo)—as they embark on a wild, drug-fueled bender to celebrate their newfound freedom. Their hedonistic escapade takes a dark turn when they witness a horrific accident, forcing them to confront their own morality and the fragility of life. Taylor-Joy plays Jen, a sharp-witted accomplice who seems to have more ambition than her male counterparts.
Critics were initially divided on the film, with some praising its gritty authenticity and strong performances, while others found the script derivative and the cinematography overly stylized. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 38% critic score, and on IMDb, a 5.6/10. However, the film has found a new audience on streaming, where viewers are discovering its raw energy and compelling character study.
What sets Here Are The Young Men apart is its ability to capture the intoxicating, chaotic spirit of teenage freedom, reminiscent of shows like Skins or films like A Clockwork Orange. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked hedonism and the moral void that can exist when young people are given complete freedom without guidance.
The film's exploration of themes like religion, morality, and authority is handled with a beautiful yet tragic perspective. The young cast, including Taylor-Joy, delivers convincing performances that ground the film's more surreal elements. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it's a compelling and entertaining watch that has aged well.
For fans of Anya Taylor-Joy, this is a must-see, showcasing her talent before her breakout role in The Queen's Gambit. It's also a great pick for those who enjoy gritty crime dramas with a coming-of-age twist. If you're looking for something that captures the messy, volatile transition to adulthood, Here Are The Young Men is now available to stream, and it's definitely worth a watch.
As streaming continues to give new life to overlooked gems, this film joins the ranks of other underrated titles that have found a second chance. Whether you're a fan of Taylor-Joy or just enjoy a good crime drama, this one is worth adding to your queue.
