Oh Boys
Who men could be — if we let them
Directed by Martina Magorin
Martina Magorin's Oh Boys, playfully challenges the stereotypes of masculinity, reimagining how men could behave - if society let them. Set in familiar hyper-masculine environments, this film offers a surprising twist as the men begin to engage in unexpected acts of joy and tenderness rather than conflict and rage. But as one character confronts societal expectations, the film takes a poignant turn, leaving viewers questioning their own preconceptions and the constraints of traditional masculinity.
Oh Boys captures how problematic outdated gendered norms are and totally challenges those traditional notions of hyper-masculinity. Can you share with us what grabbed your attention to envision an alternative perspective on how men could behave if not constrained by societal expectations?
I’ve always been super interested in gender dynamics. Growing up in Sweden, I never bought into traditional gender roles. I was the wild child who refused to go anywhere near a dress. My mum was an executive at a big company. My dad was the family cook.
After moving to the US, I was confronted with a societal setup that felt much more rigid. And it wasn't just the role of women I found restrictive, but also the idea of what it means to be a man.
My partner, a journalist covering modern masculinity, introduced me to the term ‘The Man Box’ a few years back. The term was coined in the 1980s by Paul Kivel to describe the narrow societal rules of how "real men" must act to be considered ‘manly.’ This theory really got my imagination going, and I set about exploring what it might look like on-screen if men were completely freed from these invisible boundaries.
The standout '80s aesthetic and style of Oh Boys is somewhat reminiscent “British gangster” flick feel. How did the '80s era influence your storytelling choices for the film and how do you think it contributes to the overall narrative?
When crafting the look and feel of Oh Boys, I wanted something sweaty, gritty, and brimming with raw testosterone-filled energy.
The goal wasn't to mirror the '80s gangster flicks directly but rather to capture a vibe that's hard to pin down to a single decade. That's why you'll see elements from the '70s, '80s, and '90s throughout the film, blurring the lines of time to create a setting that feels both familiar and ambiguous.
Some of the final aesthetic touches were inspired by Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, a film that offers a fascinating portrayal of masculinity—rough around the edges but also deeply human. I loved how it blends toughness with beauty in something that feels timeless.
The soundtrack seamlessly enhances the film’s sentiment and many different emotions explored and experienced by the men throughout. Can you discuss your collaboration with TOMI & Jackson Greenberg and how you worked together to ensure that the music complemented and reinforced central themes of aggression to playfulness to shame?
From the get-go, I knew I wanted to edit the film to music that generated creative tension by mixing playful and macho energy. Before filming, I was drawn to Cindy Lauper's “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” knowing that it was this energy that I wanted the men in my film to have once they let loose.
We edited the offline to the track, and when I reached out to Jackson, he immediately brought TOMI on to create the music. Her incredible vocals and strong sound just married so well with this movie. She also injected some of that macho energy into the finished song, bringing the short film to a whole new level. I couldn’t be more stoked that we got to collaborate on this.
The narrative questions the performative nature of masculinity. In your view, how can the film industry as a whole contribute to reshaping or challenging societal expectations regarding gender roles?
In so many ways – both in front and behind the camera.
I think it’s about being conscious of the narratives we're creating and the characters we're putting on screen. It's about questioning our assumptions. For example, Why default to a man pursuing a woman? Or a woman putting a bandaid on a kid? Or a girl being good in school? Could flipping this dynamic offer a more intriguing story? By challenging these norms, we can offer diverse representations that encourage audiences to question their biases and assumptions.
Behind the scenes — I think it’s about being aware of the traits we are celebrating, the voices we're amplifying on set, and the dynamics of space and visibility. Are we perpetuating the same restricted narratives off-screen that we seek to challenge on-screen? This is obviously easier said than done. But I think the most important thing is to be humble, recognize that we’re all biased in some way, and help each other improve.
“I think the most important thing is to be humble, recognize that we’re all biased in some way, and help each other improve.”
You playfully yet powerfully present a unique perspective on the impact of societal norms on individual behaviour. Can you share what the conversations were like with an all-male cast during filming and what further discussions you hope the film sparks, particularly in relation to redefining masculinity in contemporary society?
My priority on set was always to foster a playful yet secure environment so the actors could open up and embrace their roles without reservations. Once they started playing, the energy that bubbled over was infectious—constant laughter and joyful interactions—and it was almost hard to dial it back when we needed to.
My approach was never to preach or lecture anyone with this movie; just show an alternate reality. And I ran our day of shooting the same way—it was always about the joy of stepping out of our comfort zones and expressing ourselves without inhibition or fear.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a feature script with my partner that I hope to adapt into a short and shoot soon. This won’t come as a surprise, but it also deals with gender as a central theme.
Written & Directed: Martina Magorin
Executive Producers: Matthew Marquis & Geoff McLean
Producers: Nicole Taylor Franzen & Vivi Rojas
Production Company: Golden LA
Gym Bros: Jeremey Adam Rey & James A. Chiong
Paper Pushers: Olu Duyile & Alejandro Garza
Petrolheads: Juan M Sierra & Oliver Fredin
Locker Room Chaps: Luke Lutz & Amadeo Hughes
Wrestler: Ben Larson
Director of Photography: Tehillah de Castro
Production Designer: Natalia Brito
First Assistant Director: Chelsey D'Asdeky
Stylist: Monica Rojas
Hair & Makeup Artist: Lorraine Lola Ramirez
Editor: Mandy Brown & Jake Frank
Color Grade: Dante Pasquinelli
Music by: TOMI & Jackson Greenberg