Netflix viewers have been left sobbing after tuning into Big Boys Don’t Cry.
The 2020 movie dropped on the streaming service platform on December 23 and explores the abuse that took place at St Leonard’s children’s home in Essex.
Loosely based on true events, it follows the life of Paul Connolly, a man who was abandoned as a baby in a bin when he was just two weeks old.
READ MORE: Netflix’s The Imposter viewers left ‘disturbed’ over harrowing true story
Paul later went on to find himself at the now-notorious children’s home, which opened its doors in 1965 until its closure in 1984.
(Image: Netflix)
The film’s synopsis states: “A young man who grew up in an abusive children’s home must revisit his turbulent past after his boyhood friend’s death triggers a police investigation.”
It features This Is England actor Michael Socha as Paul and The Dare star Mitchell Norman plays the character’s younger self.
Viewers of the film have now been taking to social media to praise the emotional movie.
(Image: Netflix)
One fan penned: “Just watched Big Boys Don’t Cry. So good yet heartbreaking.”
Another added: “Big Boys Don’t Cry on Netflix has broken my heart and made me so angry at the same time.”
A third person said: “Jesus, just watched Big Boys Don’t Cry on Netflix. What a horrific story, so hard to watch.”
More than 3,000 children lived at the home through the years and many of them were allegedly physically and sexually abused.
(Image: Netflix)
The home was reportedly well-equipped, complete with its own swimming pool, gym and hospital.
However, it was more of a nightmare, with Seamus Carroll, a former resident who lived there with his brothers, stating: “It was potentially idyllic.
“We always said, when we were growing up, it would be a wonderful place to be – if it weren’t for the staff, that is.”
Paul, whose life experience forms the basis of Big Boys Don’t Cry , now works as a celebrity fitness trainer and is a father of two.
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His 2010 memoir, Against All Odds, in which he wrote about surviving his horrific childhood and becoming a personal trainer to a number of celebrities, details how he learnt to read aged 25.
He went on to receive a qualification to become a gym instructor.
Paul worked with supermodel Elle Macpherson on her workout video The Body and trains famous faces including Celebrity Big Brother winner Chantelle Houghton.
Big Boys Don’t Cry is available to steam on Netflix
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
