Bella and the Boys (2004)

This powerful drama is about a group of children growing up in a residential care home in south London.

Rather than exploring the familiar territory of abuse by wicked care workers, this film looks at some of the more positive aspects of life in an institution.

The story unfolds over two different time periods. In 1990, Bella, Martin and Lee are living in Rylands children’s home. Martin and Lee are the best of friends, but both are in love with Bella. Friendship turns to rivalry, and after a series of incidents, Lee is moved to another home and Bella is heartbroken.

Thirteen years later and the home is closing down. A reunion is organised for past residents. Bella and Martin turn up but Lee is absent.

The film cuts between the different time periods as the audience gradually discovers Lee’s story.

In essence this is a love story, played out against a background of life in a care home. Funny, dramatic and shocking, ultimately the film is a positive and uplifting piece of work about human resilience.

“A beautiful portrait of teenage friendship and adolescence. And so nice to see well-written, well-acted, original telly drama.”
Sam Woollaston, The Guardian.

“The structure - moving between past and present - works brilliantly; the film has pace, energy and total conviction, and the acting is uniformly sensational. Billie Piper, in particular, is a revelation.”
The Times.