Cameron Boyce Will Break Your Heart in His Final Film, ‘Runt,’ Now On VOD

Anyone who has seen Descendants doesn’t need to be told that Cameron Boyce was an incredibly talented performer. The actor and dancer—who died when he was just 20 years old in 2019 due to a pre-existing medical condition—captured audiences’ hearts as Carlos, the goofy, dog-loving “villain kid” of Cruella de Ville in the Disney Channel musical franchise. (He also tore up the dance floor as Carlos—that Kenny Ortega choreography is not easy!) Now, over two years after Boyce’s death, viewers are able to see a whole other side of Boyce’s talent with the posthumous release of his final movie, Runt.

After filming in 2018 and premiering at Mammoth Film Festival in February 2020, Runt is now finally available to the wider public to rent and buy on digital platforms today. Boyce stars as a high school senior named Cal who becomes the target of harassment for the resident meathead bullies at his school. The more injustices Cal endures, the more hardened he becomes. When the football star locks Cal in a trunk and assaults the girl he has a crush on, he retaliates by setting the jock’s car on fire. But when the bully comes for Cal’s beloved dog, Runt, well, that’s when Cal truly loses it.

Directed by William Coakley—with a screenplay from Coakley, Armand Constantine, and Christian van Gregg—Runt is not a perfect film, but it is Boyce’s film from start to finish. And the young actor truly shines. Your heart will break as you watch him transform from a sweet, quiet kid with a passion for drawing into a moody, withdrawn teenager who busts out brass knuckles at school. But even as his exterior hardens, Boyce never loses touch with Cal’s vulnerability. Nor does he completely lose touch with his smile—and Boyce’s smile, lighting up his whole face, is nothing short of devastating.

Without spoiling the movie, there is one scene in particular that highlights Boyce’s dramatic chops. It’s tragic to think of the long, critically-acclaimed career he could have had, but at the same time, it’s wonderful to have this showcase of talent as his final film.

Runt is dedicated to Boyce, and before the credits roll, audiences are informed via a text card that the message of the film was a personal one to Boyce. “Cameron Boyce believed strongly in the power of kindness and the use of creative arts to reduce violence and negativity,” the dedication reads. “He also understood this film highlights what can happen if young people do not have positive outlets. Cameron had hoped to be able to use what he learned from playing Call to start conversations about tolerance and positivity.”

Though he was ultimately not able to discuss the above themes during a press tour, the conversations Boyce hoped to ignite are carried on via the Cameron Boyce Foundation, a non-profit organization created by his family following his death. According to the foundation’s website, the organization is dedicated to reduce gun violence and help work toward a cure for epilepsy “through digital campaigns, programmatic partnerships, and financial support.” You can donate to the foundation here.

Where to watch Runt