Cast and Crew of The Kid

The Kid

"The Kid" is a poignant film that draws from the true life experiences of Kevin Lewis, poignantly portrayed by Rupert Friend. The narrative delves deep into the harrowing childhood he faced, marked by severe abuse and neglect. This chilling backdrop serves as a catalyst for his journey, examining the destructive choices he made as a young man while under the crushing weight of his traumatic past. Friend's performance captures the vulnerability and resilience of a boy trying to navigate the treacherous waters of an abusive household while surrounded by a community that seems indifferent to his plight.

As Kevin grapples with the pain of his upbringing, the film chronicles his descent into a life of crime—revealing the struggles he faced as a means of coping with his circumstances. Natascha McElhone's character, Gloria, plays a significant role in his life, embodying a source of both love and conflict. Her interactions with Kevin highlight the complexity of relationships in the wake of trauma, as she oscillates between supportive and enabling, reflecting the often convoluted connections people form under difficult circumstances. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative, illustrating how profound relationships can shape one's path, for better or worse.

Ultimately, "The Kid" is more than just a story of hardship; it is a compelling tale of redemption and hope. The film beautifully portrays Kevin's arduous journey towards reclaiming his life and identity in the face of overwhelming odds. It emphasizes the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation, offering viewers an inspiring message about overcoming adversity. This powerful exploration of Kevin's life serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the potential for recovery, even after the darkest of experiences.

Full Cast of The Kid

Rupert Friend as Kevin Lewis

Rupert Friend

Kevin Lewis
Rupert Friend delivers a captivating and transformative performance as the notorious outlaw, Kevin Lewis, in the 2019 western film "The Kid." His portrayal is a complex amalgamation of menace and vulnerability, as he brings to life a character that is both ruthless and deeply scarred by his past. Friend's Kevin Lewis is a man whose rough exterior and hair-trigger temper are matched only by the haunted look in his eyes, hinting at a deeper torment beneath the surface. His interactions with the film's protagonist, Rio, played by Jake Schur, reveal a duality to his nature—capable of both cruelty and a skewed sense of honor. Friend's performance is physical and nuanced, showcasing his ability to convey the weight of Kevin's violent life through his measured movements and piercing gaze. His presence on screen is magnetic, making Kevin Lewis one of the most memorable and multi-dimensional antagonists in recent western cinema.
Natascha McElhone as Gloria

Natascha McElhone

Gloria
Natascha McElhone delivers a compelling performance as Gloria in the 2000 film "The Kid," directed by Vincent D'Onofrio. McElhone brings a nuanced depth to the character, portraying her as a complex and multifaceted individual. As the abusive and neglectful mother of the film's protagonist, she expertly balances the portrayal of Gloria's harsh and often cruel behavior towards her son with moments that hint at her own inner turmoil and the societal pressures that have shaped her life. McElhone's performance is particularly commendable for refusing to simplify Gloria into a one-dimensional antagonist; instead, she imbues the character with a raw humanity, allowing audiences to simultaneously empathize with her struggles and condemn her actions. Her emotional range and the authenticity she brings to the role are central to the film's exploration of family dynamics, the consequences of parental neglect, and the possibility of redemption.
Con O'Neill as Dennis

Con O'Neill

Dennis
Con O'Neill delivers a compelling performance as Dennis in the 2010 British crime thriller "The Kid," directed by Nick Moran. As the menacing and unpredictable antagonist, O'Neill crafts a character that is both deeply unsettling and darkly charismatic. His portrayal of Dennis, a ruthless crime boss with a penchant for violence, is nuanced and layered, revealing the complexities of a man driven by power and a distorted sense of loyalty. O'Neill's on-screen presence is commanding, as he seamlessly shifts from cold, calculated intimidation to explosive outbursts of anger, keeping viewers on edge throughout the film. His interactions with the other characters, particularly with the young protagonist, are charged with tension, highlighting Dennis's manipulative nature and his capacity for cruelty. O'Neill's performance is a testament to his range as an actor, as he fully embodies the role with a chilling authenticity that resonates long after the credits roll.
Ioan Gruffudd as Colin Smith

Ioan Gruffudd

Colin Smith
Ioan Gruffudd delivered a compelling performance as Colin Smith in the 2000 film "The Kid," directed by Jon Turteltaub. Gruffudd's portrayal of the ambitious and self-centered image consultant is both charismatic and nuanced, showcasing his range as an actor. As the movie progresses, Gruffudd's character undergoes a profound transformation, which the actor depicts with a delicate balance of humor and sincerity. His interactions with Bruce Willis' character, who plays the adult version of Russ Duritz, a young boy whom Colin befriends, are particularly poignant, highlighting Gruffudd's ability to convey complex emotions. Gruffudd's performance is a standout element of the film, providing depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional in lesser hands. His on-screen evolution from a slick professional to a man who discovers the value of relationships and the importance of facing one's past is both believable and moving, making his portrayal of Colin Smith a memorable aspect of "The Kid."
Jodie Whittaker as Jackie

Jodie Whittaker

Jackie
Jodie Whittaker delivered a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as Jackie in the film "The Kid," a poignant tale of childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects. As the adult version of the protagonist, Whittaker brought depth and complexity to her portrayal, capturing the internal struggle of a woman grappling with the scars of her past. Her nuanced portrayal of Jackie, who is haunted by memories of a brother she was unable to protect, showcased Whittaker's ability to convey the weight of guilt and the resilience of hope. Her interactions with the younger characters, particularly the child actors, highlighted her capacity for empathy and her skill in navigating the delicate emotional landscape of the film. Whittaker's performance was a testament to her versatility and commitment to authenticity, as she seamlessly wove moments of despair with glimmers of optimism, ultimately delivering a powerful depiction of the human spirit's capacity for healing and redemption.
Bernard Hill as Uncle David

Bernard Hill

Uncle David
Bernard Hill delivers a poignant and heartfelt performance as Uncle David in the 2000 drama "The Kid," directed by Jon Turteltaub. Hill portrays the character with a delicate balance of warmth and stoic reserve, bringing a sense of depth and authenticity to the role. As the gruff yet tender-hearted chauffeur, Hill's Uncle David is a man whose tough exterior belies a well of compassion and unspoken sorrow. His interactions with the young protagonist, played by Bruce Willis, are particularly moving, as he becomes an unlikely mentor and father figure, teaching valuable life lessons through his own lived experiences. Hill's performance is nuanced, with subtle shifts in expression and tone that convey the weight of Uncle David's past regrets and the hope he invests in the next generation. His on-screen presence is commanding, yet he never overshadows the narrative, instead complementing it with an understated grace that underscores the film's themes of redemption and the importance of human connection. Bernard Hill's portrayal of Uncle David is a standout element of "The Kid," leaving a lasting impression on the audience long after the credits roll.
Augustus Prew as Teen Kevin

Augustus Prew

Teen Kevin

Augustus Prew is an actor.

Alfie Allen as Dominic

Alfie Allen

Dominic

Alfie Evan Allen (born September 12, 1986) is an English actor, best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy on...

Ben Hawkey as Billy Saunders

Ben Hawkey

Billy Saunders

Ben Hawkey has been acting since 2010 and made his American debut in Game of Thrones.

Marc Zammit

Ward

Steve Collins

Whacker

Crew of The Kid

Full backstage crew list →