Fresh from a run on the festival circuit and stepping into the spotlight with The Good Boy, which is out in cinemas from today, Anson Boon is part of a new wave of British talent finding his footing across film and television.
In The Good Boy, Anson plays 19-year-old hooligan Tommy, who revels in a life of drugs, parties, and violence. One night, he is abducted by an unknown figure. Though he is no stranger to violence, he is horrified when he wakes to find himself chained in the basement of the isolated suburban family home of Chris (Stephen Graham) and his near-spectral wife. The family sets out to reform Tommy’s unruly behaviour, forcing him to comply with their relentless mind games or seek escape at any cost.
To launch our first-ever Watchlist feature, Boon has curated a selection of ten favourite films, sharing what draws him to each one. The list moves between cult classics, formative first watches, and performances that have shaped how he approaches the craft. From the intensity of Apocalypse Now and Se7en to the nostalgia of Shaun of the Dead and the more recent pull of Saltburn, it’s a snapshot of both his influences and where he might be heading next.
1. Apocalypse Now
This is probably my favourite film. There isn’t much I can say other than I find it pretty perfect in every way. There is no limit to how many times I can watch this film – you discover something new every time – and every time, I feel like I’m experiencing the journey that boat goes on for the first time.
2. Pulp Fiction
Ok, maybe this is my favourite film actually! I love all of Tarantino’s movies so much, but this was the first I saw, so I am particularly fond of it. It blew the mind of a teenage boy from provincial England who had dreams of movies and Los Angeles. The opening scene might be my favourite movie scene ever.
3. Sexy Beast
I love this film because I spent summers as a child in swelteringly hot Andalusia, and aspects of the protagonists remind me of people I grew up around. It feels extra special because this film’s producer, Jeremy Thomas, a legend of cinema, produced my upcoming film “The Good Boy”!
4. Seven
Brad Pitt is one of my favourite actors, and for me this is one of his greatest performances. His here is the kind of performance that makes me want to get out of bed and go and make a movie! The story is so gripping and the final twist is harrowing but iconic.
5. Shaun of the Dead
This has to be my favourite comedy! The setting has such a nostalgic feel to me. I would watch this (and indeed its Cornetto Trilogy siblings) with my mates in my teens, so it reminds me of good times.
6. The Firm
(the one with Gary Oldman and Lesley Manville).
Gary Oldman is also one of my favourite actors, and this visceral, unpolished picture about football violence sees him give an extraordinary performance. I grew up hearing stories about hooliganism in the ’80s and this film documents it incredibly.
7. The Hunt
Another one of my favourite actors, Mads Mikkelsen, is mesmerising here. The subtlety to his performance in such a heightened scenario of stress and tension is a masterclass. I love Danish cinema and this is one of the best.
8. Boyz n the Hood
My Dad loves this film and I first watched it a long time ago on his recommendation. Again, the setting of Los Angeles was something so removed from my reality back then, and yet so appealing to me. All of the actors are amazing in this too.
9. Forrest Gump
This was probably the first drama film I watched as a child. I was very young when I first saw it and I remember it being the first film that made me feel emotional.
10. Saltburn
The most recent addition to this list but a great picture nonetheless. I am a huge fan of Emerald Fennell and I thought this film was extraordinary. The setting, the story, the dreamlike nature and yet total reality to it was all just brilliant. I very much hope to work with her in the future!
The Good Boy is out now, follow Anson via @ansonboon
Photography Lee Malone
Styling Cheryl Konteh at A-frame Agency
Grooming Brady Lea At A-frame Agency
Editorial Direction Jana Letonja
Location To Lore Of The Land
Top image clothing credit
Vest Cos Jacket Celine
