The Good Son (1993) is a psychological thriller directed by Joseph Ruben, starring Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood. The film explores the dark side of childhood innocence and the thin line between good and evil.
The story follows Mark Evans (Elijah Wood), a young boy traumatized by his mother’s death. While his father is away on business, Mark is sent to stay with his aunt, uncle, and their children in Maine. There, he meets his cousin Henry (Macaulay Culkin), who at first seems charming, intelligent, and friendly. However, as time passes, Mark begins to notice disturbing behavior in Henry—cruelty toward animals, morbid curiosity about death, and a frightening ability to manipulate those around him.
Mark tries to warn the adults, but no one believes him. Henry’s mother, Susan (Wendy Crewson), is blinded by her love for her “perfect” son, while Mark grows increasingly desperate as Henry’s actions become more dangerous. The tension escalates when Henry endangers the lives of others, including his little sister.
The film reaches its emotional and moral climax on a cliffside, where Susan is forced to make an impossible choice between saving her biological son or Mark, the nephew she has come to love like her own. Her final decision is heartbreaking but inevitable, revealing the devastating cost of confronting evil within one’s family.
The Good Son is a haunting exploration of childhood sociopathy and the fragility of family trust. It challenges viewers to question how far love and morality can stretch when faced with true darkness—and whether evil can be recognized before it’s too late.
