The Good Son (1993)

Joseph Ruben's chilling 1993 psychological thriller, *The Good Son*, plunges into the dark heart of childhood innocence corrupted. The narrative centers on Mark (Elijah Wood), a young boy sent to stay with his aunt and uncle following his mother's death. There, he befriends his cousin Henry (Macaulay Culkin), who is the same age. But as their bond deepens, Mark begins to witness increasing and disturbing signs of truly psychotic behavior from Henry, evolving from unsettling pranks into something far more sinister, while the adults around them remain oblivious to the malevolent force in their home. Ruben, known for masterfully building suspense in domestic thrillers like *The Stepfather* and *Sleeping with the Enemy*, delivers another taut and unsettling experience here, earning its place among his best works. He deftly exploits the vulnerability of childhood and the inherent trust within family structures, turning a seemingly safe haven into a terrifying battle of wills. Macaulay Culkin's audacious turn against type as the sociopathic Henry, perfectly countered by Elijah Wood's earnest portrayal of Mark, grounds the film's escalating tension. This unsettling exploration of pure evil in an unexpected form solidifies *The Good Son*'s place as one of Ruben's most memorable and effective psychological thrillers, showcasing his consistent ability to craft nerve-wracking suspense that gets under the skin.