The main reason to see PRETTY BOY is for the performance of Christian Tafdrup as Nick. This doe-eyed young Dane turns in a remarkable honest and watchable performance amid a messy script and mediocre direction. When the script fails to enlighten, Tafdrup's acting choices enrich the scene. Although only 15 years old when the film was made, he manages to establish the character's knowing maturity without sacrificing his youthful idealism.
The film's reality is tested by having an obviously feminine actress playing a hustler Rene everyone believes to be a boy. Having Nick suddenly fall for Rene in the film's last third further stretches credulity. While there is nothing inherently wrong in Nick exploring his sexuality, it clouds the relationship Ralph. The film is also never clear enough about Nick's adoration of astrologer Ralph. Had the script been a bit more pointed, the ending might have been poignant rather than a stop-frame solution.
The film's reality is tested by having an obviously feminine actress playing a hustler Rene everyone believes to be a boy. Having Nick suddenly fall for Rene in the film's last third further stretches credulity. While there is nothing inherently wrong in Nick exploring his sexuality, it clouds the relationship Ralph. The film is also never clear enough about Nick's adoration of astrologer Ralph. Had the script been a bit more pointed, the ending might have been poignant rather than a stop-frame solution.