SummaryThe world is bright and everything seems possible for Richard Karlsen, the golden boy of a privileged set of Dublin teens, until he does something that destroys it all and shatters the lives of the people closest to him. Featuring extraordinary performances from its largely young cast, What Richard Did is a quietly devastating study of a boy conf... Read More
Directed By:Lenny Abrahamson
Written By:Malcolm Campbell, Kevin Power
What Richard Did
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
85% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
15% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
May 9, 2013
88
Director Lenny Abrahamson’s latest film has its roots in the notorious death of a teenager outside a Dublin nightclub, later detailed in Kevin Power’s novel “Bad Day in Blackrock.” The pensive, gray-tinged What Richard Did unfolds this downbeat tale in long scenes, but seldom feels slow.
User score
Generally Favorable
67% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
13% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
20% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
May 12, 2013
9
"What Richard Did" is an intense drama showing how a decent family's life can be jolted by a split second mistake. At some point, the norm represents Richard; middle class, friendly, educated, in love and a very good son who is about to confront himself and his conscience.
May 11, 2013
9
An intriguing title for a low key, but high quality drama. This is a cautionary tale that demonstrates how life's priveleges can be snatched away in a moment. Handsome lead Jack Reynor plays Richard, a young man on the brink of having it all who, through a single action, puts his whole future into question. The film is totally compelling with natural performances from its mainly young cast and there is an excellent scene between Richard and his father which highlights the selfishness of individuals at times of crisis.
May 7, 2013
80
This teen drama from Ireland is split almost perfectly down the middle: First, 40 understated minutes following a local golden boy named Richard (Jack Reynor) as he enjoys his last summer before college, trailed by 40-odd gut-wrenching minutes surveying the fallout from a single violent act he foolishly commits at a party.
Apr 25, 2013
80
A tough, impactful film that offers a sometimes uncomfortable but always gripping examination of cause and effect.
Apr 25, 2013
80
What Richard Did is an engrossing and intelligent drama that throbs in the mind for hours after the final credits.
Apr 25, 2013
70
But even if What Richard Did is sometimes a little too understated for its own good, this is still a classy piece of work which convincingly captures the emotionally complex, morally murky texture of real life.
Apr 25, 2013
60
An impressive study of guilt, responsibility and the bad things that happen to good people.
Jun 16, 2013
8
Have not seen any of the previous film of Lenny Abrahamson, or seen Jack Reynor acting before, but having watched 'What Richard Did' I will be looking out for the follow up work of both of them. From the wonderful character description and built up, to the gut wrenching second part of the film, this is a gripping study of a young man's moral code which is challenged on the face of adversity.
May 25, 2013
2
Credible acting is the only reason I'm giving it as much as I did. There's very little else to recommend it. Nothing in the way of insightful, intriguing, or compelling drama is present, and the entire story could have been told in an hour or less. Like your films to entertain you? I'd skip this one.
Production Company:
- Element Pictures
- Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board
Release Date:May 10, 2013
Duration:1 h 28 m
Rating:TV-MA
Awards
Irish Film and Television Awards
• 5 Wins & 11 Nominations
Evening Standard British Film Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
