Andrew Scott's 'irresistible' Irish drama with Death in Paradise star lands new UK streaming home

An Irish coming-of-age drama starring Andrew Scott is now available to stream in the UK. Directed by The Outlaws' John Butler, Handsome Devil stars Fionn O'Shea and Nicholas Galitzine as Ned and Conor, two boys at an elite all-boys boarding school in Ireland.

Star rugby player Conor becomes roommates with music-lover Ned, who appears to be the only student in the school not obsessed with rugby.

But despite their apparent differences, the two form an unlikely friendship, which sees them tested repeatedly by their peers and the school's rugby coach, Pascal O'Keeffe (Moe Dunford), though the new English teacher Mr Sherry (Scott) encourages their musical ambitions.

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Alongside Scott, O'Shea, Galitzine and Dunford, the cast also includes Michael McElhatton, Ruairi O'Connor, Death in Paradise's Ardal O'Hanlon, and Amy Huberman.

The film was released in 2016 and was based on Butler's own experiences as a child in a boarding school, as he described Handsome Devil as "not really autobiographical and it’s certainly not a period film, so it’s just a story about trying to be true to yourself" (via CreativeScreenwriting.com).

Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been a success with both critics and audiences, earning a critical score of 83% and an audience rating of 79%.

The Hollywood Reporter commented on the movie's "sweetness, poignancy and breezy humor", calling it "pretty darn impossible to resist".

Related: Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal's "masterpiece" British drama is now streaming for free

Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Times said: "Although the film can feel a bit been-there-seen-that, this earnest, well-drawn tale ultimately proves distinct and winning enough to warrant a look."

The Observer wrote: "A warm, reassuring hug of a film that should be shown to every confused kid trying to piece together their identity," while Radio Times said: "The central duo are funny, sensitive, likeable and troubled as and when required, with Sherlock's Andrew Scott doing sterling work."

Handsome Devil was just added to HBO Max today, but it is also available to stream on Disney+ and Prime Video.

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