Smoking, swearing and sleeping around just don’t seem to sit well with squeaky clean Daniel Radcliffe, better known to hundred of millions cinema goers as Harry Potter.

With December Boys, as with Equus, a role he played where he appeared naked and has an erotic relationship with his horses according to the BBC News, it’s clear the actor is doing his best to break away from the wizard boy character that has made him the richest teenager in Britain, according to Timesonline. A rather drastic twist in recent roles that he’s been playing, a little too sudden though. Many people still think of him as a young geeky wizard.

December Boys is directed by Rod Hardy, who also directed a few episodes of JAG and The Practice. Based on a novel by Michael Noonan, December Boys is a tale of 4 orphans who live sheltered lives in a Catholic convent in Australia during the 1960s. Radcliffe, who plays Maps, is the oldest of the brood and is well respected by the younger 3 orphans, playful Spark (Christian Byers), Spit (James Fraser), and the youngest, Misty (Lee Cornie), all born in the month of December.

They’re sent to a house by the beach where they stay for the summer with Mr and Mrs McAnsh, played by Jack Thompson and Kris McQuad. The role of the 2 actors gives the movie a parental element, where the boys started living their lives under the guidance of parents. There’s also a warm sense of brotherly affection among the boys and that’s made obvious during a scene when Misty’s afraid of the sounds of the ocean and rain, and pushes his bed closer to Maps’, after which he cuddles safely under his own blanket.

In the introduction scenes, Radcliffe comes across too grown up and seems completely out of place among the younger actors. But as the film progresses, the audience sees exactly why there should be a character in the movie who’s much older than the other 3. Radcliffe steps up as being a sort of guardian to the other 3 boys.

The fraternal bonds and affection are sorely tested as the boys meet a childless couple, and overhear that they’re considering one of them for adoption. Survival instincts then kick in and we see the boys for the couple’s attention, desperate to prove themselves to be the best choice. Look out for a hilarious scene by the dinner table where Spark, Spit and Misty try their hardest to be their favorites.

On the other hand, Maps, who doesn’t want his way of life to change, gives the audience a break from the adoption rivalry storyline as he finds himself falling in love with Lucy (Teresa Palmer), who lives by the beach. He finds solace in her while Misty, Spark and Spit are wrapped up in their own deceitful game. Maps soon learns, however, that he can’t rely on Lucy and faces the challenging task of settings heartfelt matters aside and keeping the group of 4 together.

It’s a story of orphans growing up and understanding life outside of their orphanage, a clear depiction of boys as they are growing up, facing tough decisions and situations that involved female nudity.

A movie that’s wrapped in love and loss, December Boys has a few sparks of humour that will certainly catch you when you least expect it.

Filmed in South Australia according to the press release, December Boys is shot amid beautiful beaches and hills. If the emotion of the plot doesn’t capture you, the breathtaking cinematography of scenic hills and beautiful beaches definitely will.

It was a little unusual though that throughout the movie, Radcliffe had an American accent, together with the boys. I couldn’t tell that the intentions of the location were supposed to be in Australia.

For those who want to see Harry Potter play a much more down to earth mortal role, or for those who simply just prefer a beautiful movie about the ties between 4 orphans, this is a must watch. It’s a movie with a bright cast of young talents and one that will leave a few of you in tears. In short, this line which was used by the 4 during the movie could simply condense the entire movie, “One for all and all for one, December Boys!”

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Movie Details

Opens: Nov 15

Running Time: 95 mins

Language: English

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Lee Cornie, Christian Byers and James Fraser.

Director: Rod Hardy