‘Heel’ Review: A Disturbing Exploration of Abuse and Rehabilitation

Jan Komasa’s psychological thriller, Heel, formerly titled Good Boy, starring Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, and Anson Boon, presents a deeply unsettling narrative about the complexities of abuse, control, and the blurred lines of a dysfunctional “found family.” The film, released in 2026, delves into the disturbing premise of a young criminal subjected to a forced rehabilitation process.

The Premise: Captivity and Control

The film centers on Tommy (Anson Boon), a 19-year-old with a penchant for drugs, alcohol, and reckless behavior. His life takes a dark turn when he is kidnapped by Chris (Stephen Graham) and Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough), a couple who confine him to their remote countryside mansion. Tommy finds himself chained in the basement, subjected to a bizarre and controlling “treatment” designed to transform him into a “good boy.”

A Familiar Echo: Parallels to ‘A Clockwork Orange’

Critics have drawn comparisons to Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, noting the thematic similarities of forced rehabilitation and the question of whether a person can truly be reformed through coercion. Still, Heel distinguishes itself through its focus on the psychological dynamics between the captor and captive, and the unsettling development of a complex relationship. The film explores the motivations of Chris and Kathryn, though their reasons remain initially ambiguous.

Performances and Direction

Stephen Graham delivers a nuanced performance as Chris, portraying a man driven by a peculiar obsession with virtue, and control. Andrea Riseborough embodies Kathryn’s haunted and withdrawn demeanor, hinting at a past trauma. Anson Boon effectively captures Tommy’s initial defiance and subsequent struggle as he navigates his captivity. Jan Komasa’s direction maintains a consistently unsettling atmosphere, utilizing a grimy aesthetic and a monotonous pace to emphasize the film’s thematic concerns.

A Questionable Allegory

The film’s attempt to reframe a toxic dynamic as a liberal allegory of family is a point of contention. The premise – a young man chained and treated like an animal in the hope of changing his behavior – feels contrived and implausible. The film’s thematic exploration is overshadowed by its lack of realism, stretching the boundaries of believability.

Sentimentalizing Transformation

As Tommy undergoes a transformation, the film veers into sentimentality, diminishing the impact of its initial premise. The evolution of Tommy’s character feels unconvincing, ultimately undermining the film’s potential for a truly disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of rehabilitation and abuse.

Final Thoughts

Heel is a film that provokes discomfort and raises challenging questions about the nature of control, abuse, and the possibility of redemption. Although its implausibility and sentimental tendencies detract from its overall impact, the strong performances and unsettling atmosphere make it a noteworthy, if flawed, psychological thriller.