🎬 INTRODUCTION
Remember Handsome Devil, that quiet little Irish film from 2016 that slipped under most radars? The one that dared to blend rugby, poetry, and the messy beauty of coming out in a world that demanded conformity?
Well, it’s back, and Gen Z is suddenly obsessed.
As Handsome Devil finds a second life on streaming platforms in 2025, TikTok edits are racking up millions of views. Fans are rediscovering Nicholas Galitzine’s breakout performance long before he became Hollywood’s royal heartthrob, while others are just falling for the film’s raw message: that being different is your superpower.
📋 QUICK FACTS
| Film Title | Handsome Devil (2016) |
|---|---|
| Directed by | John Butler |
| Main Cast | Fionn O’Shea, Nicholas Galitzine, Andrew Scott |
| Genre | Coming-of-age, Drama, LGBTQ+ |
| Setting | Irish Boys’ Boarding School |
| Streaming on (2025) | Netflix, Prime Video |
| Tagline | “Don’t hide who you are.” |
💡 WHAT IS HANDSOME DEVIL ABOUT?
Set against the backdrop of a strict Irish boarding school obsessed with rugby and reputation, Handsome Devil follows Ned Roche (Fionn O’Shea), a witty, music-loving teen who couldn’t care less about fitting in. When he’s forced to room with the school’s new star rugby player, Conor Masters (Nicholas Galitzine), sparks of both tension and friendship start to fly.
Their unlikely bond soon challenges the toxic masculinity running through the school, especially under the watchful eye of a conservative headmaster. But when the truth about Conor’s identity threatens to come out, both boys must decide whether to stay silent or stand proud.
Director John Butler delivers a heartwarming yet gutsy story that feels part Dead Poets Society, part Sing Street, and entirely its own.
“It’s not just a sports film,” Butler told Variety at the time. “It’s a story about being true to yourself even when the world tells you not to be.”
🌈 MEET THE CAST — FROM NICHOLAS GALITZINE TO FIONN O’SHEA
Before Nicholas Galitzine was Hollywood royalty, he was Conor Masters, the quiet, stoic rugby prodigy hiding more than just athletic talent. Today, Galitzine is known for leading roles in Red, White & Royal Blue, Mary & George, and The Idea of You. But back in 2016, Handsome Devil was his big emotional debut — and he delivered it with the kind of vulnerability that hinted at a star in the making.
Fionn O’Shea, who played Ned, brings the perfect mix of snark, charm, and heart. You might recognize him from Normal People, but it’s in Handsome Devil that O’Shea’s ability to capture the ache of teenage alienation truly shines.
And then there’s Andrew Scott, yes, the Hot Priest from Fleabag, as the compassionate English teacher who sees himself in his students’ struggle for authenticity. Scott’s performance adds both gravitas and gentle humor, grounding the film’s coming-of-age chaos in something tender and timeless.
✨ WHY HANDSOME DEVIL STILL HITS DIFFERENT IN 2025
In an era where LGBTQ+ stories are celebrated more openly, Handsome Devil feels like the older, wiser cousin to Heartstopper and Love, Victor.
Its power lies in subtlety — not in dramatic declarations, but in quiet moments of solidarity. A nod between friends. A teacher’s reassuring smile. A song shared in secret.
Gen Z, raised on the language of inclusion and self-expression, sees themselves reflected in these moments. The film’s central message that individuality should be celebrated, not feared, feels more urgent than ever.
It’s also refreshing to revisit a story where the focus isn’t romance, but friendship and identity. In a world obsessed with labels, Handsome Devil reminds us that the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.
📺 WHERE TO WATCH HANDSOME DEVIL ONLINE
If this article has you nostalgic (or curious), good news: Handsome Devil is currently streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the UK and US.
You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV and Google Play Movies.
And yes, the film’s soundtrack still slaps — more on that next.
(Tip: For more feel-good LGBTQ+ gems, check out Heartstopper’s cultural rise on wordlestudio.)
🎶 THE MUSIC THAT DEFINED HANDSOME DEVIL
From Two Door Cinema Club to Bell X1, the Handsome Devil soundtrack hums with Irish indie energy. Each song feels like an emotional pulse, raw, rebellious, and full of teenage ache.
The film’s use of music mirrors Ned’s internal struggle. His love for alternative rock becomes his quiet rebellion against conformity. It’s no coincidence the film opens with “Something Good Can Work,” a track that encapsulates optimism against the odds.
If you love the vibe, you’ll also dig the Sing Street playlist, another Irish coming-of-age masterpiece that shares Handsome Devil’s melodic heart.
🏉 NICHOLAS GALITZINE’S BREAKOUT JOURNEY — FROM RUGBY FIELDS TO RED CARPETS
Watching Galitzine’s Conor Masters now feels almost prophetic. You can see the same charisma that later carried him through Red, White & Royal Blue and Cinderella.
In Handsome Devil, his performance is quiet but magnetic, a layered portrayal of a boy struggling with identity in a world that values physical strength over emotional truth.
By 2025, Galitzine has become one of the most in-demand young actors in Hollywood, balancing mainstream fame with thoughtful role choices. In interviews with People and Billboard, he’s spoken about how Handsome Devil taught him empathy early in his career, and that connection to the film’s message is why fans still find it authentic.
(Also read: Nicholas Galitzine’s Rise to Hollywood Royalty)
🎥 DIRECTOR JOHN BUTLER’S VISION AND LEGACY
Director and writer John Butler has built a reputation for telling Irish stories with a global heart. His work often explores identity, masculinity, and humor wrapped in emotional honesty.
Handsome Devil isn’t just a film; it’s a manifesto for kindness. Butler’s decision to set the story in a hyper-masculine environment wasn’t accidental; it was a deliberate choice to challenge traditional notions of “strength.”
Since then, Butler has continued exploring human connection through projects like Papi Chulo and The Outlaws. But Handsome Devil remains his most loved, the one that quietly changed lives.
💬 CRITICAL RECEPTION — THEN VS. NOW
When it premiered in 2016, Handsome Devil received modest attention. Critics praised its heart but called it “a little too polite” compared to flashier coming-of-age films.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the story’s quiet sincerity is exactly what audiences crave. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 94% audience score, and TikTok edits featuring clips of Ned and Conor now reach millions of views, proving that emotional honesty never goes out of style.
The Guardian even revisited it in a recent “LGBTQ+ Classics” list, calling it “an understated treasure that understood the teenage heart better than most.”
🎞️ SIMILAR FILMS TO WATCH IF YOU LOVED HANDSOME DEVIL
If Handsome Devil hit your emotional sweet spot, you’ll probably love:
- Sing Street (2016) — Music, rebellion, and Dublin vibes.
- Love, Simon (2018) — Heartwarming, funny, and groundbreaking.
- Heartstopper (Netflix) — For those who crave soft, hopeful queer storytelling.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — Another ode to feeling different.
(See also: Top LGBTQ+ Films Gen Z Can’t Stop Streaming in 2025)
🌟 WHAT’S NEXT FOR NICHOLAS GALITZINE (AND WHY IT MATTERS)
With new projects lined up — including a rumored collaboration with A24 Galitzine’s trajectory mirrors Handsome Devil’s core message: don’t conform; evolve.
For fans who’ve followed his journey from indie beginnings to blockbuster fame, Handsome Devil serves as a beautiful reminder of where it all started: a small Irish film with a big heart that dared to speak softly and truthfully.
In an industry that often prizes spectacle, this story’s staying power lies in its simplicity. Maybe that’s why it’s trending again. Because authenticity, no matter how quiet, never goes out of fashion.
❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Handsome Devil based on a true story?
No, but it’s deeply inspired by director John Butler’s own experiences growing up in Ireland.
Where can I stream Handsome Devil in 2025?
Currently available on Netflix and Prime Video in most regions.
Is Handsome Devil an LGBTQ+ movie?
Yes — though subtly told, it’s a story about identity, acceptance, and belonging.
Why is Handsome Devil trending again?
Streaming rediscovery, TikTok nostalgia, and Nicholas Galitzine’s growing fandom have reignited interest.
🏁 CLOSING THOUGHTS
Nearly a decade after its release, Handsome Devil stands as proof that sincerity outlasts hype. It’s the kind of movie that whispers, not shouts, and somehow, that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
So the next time you scroll past it on Netflix, pause. Press play.
Because some stories don’t just entertain you, they remind you who you are.
External References:
- IMDb – Handsome Devil (2016)
- People – Nicholas Galitzine’s Early Career
- Variety – John Butler Interview (2016)