Directed by Joel Edgerton
Starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Joel Edgerton, Xavier Dolan
Ever since Brokeback Mountain became the front runner for Best Picture in 2006 (and infamously lost to Crash, but that’s a whole other article topic in itself), LGBT cinema has been emboldened to present itself. The latest addition to this genre is Boy Erased, based on the book of the same name. This is a true story about a young gay man who is forced to attend a gay conversion therapy program in an attempt to be accepted and prevent himself from being shunned by his conservative Christian parents. It successfully avoids many cliches and tropes of other true story Oscar-baity films of its ilk by Joel Edgerton’s sympathetic and intimate direction and the actor’s performances, as it is made clear that this is a more universal tale than the kind that the thought of its premise might invoke: that of the never-ending search for understanding, or at the very least, acceptance.
As the story unfolds on the screen, it is clear that Edgerton’s screenplay has both sides of this struggle in mind, though it ultimately does take the side it needs to take towards the end. As we see the different failings and misguided “lessons” offered by the conversion therapy group, we not only see the toll it takes on protagonist Jared (Lucas Hedges, in perhaps his best performance yet,) but also on his fellow group members and even his mother (Nicole Kidman in yet another slam dunk performance, continuing her hot streak). Nevertheless, it doesn’t shy away from the good intentions of his father and his group leader (played by Russell Crowe and Edgerton himself, respectively,) as they attempt to alter his sexuality. It’s just as much a coming of age story, full of self discovery, as it is a warning against prejudice and organized emotional and mental abuse groups. Edgerton’s script never stops showing sympathy for all of its characters, and though the focus does rightly remain on Jared’s journey throughout, it is nice to see a biopic like this that does not make its supporting characters into simple caricatures.
Lucas Hedges proves that his performance in Manchester by the Sea was not a one-and-done here, as he proves more than capable of leading the film here. His gaze alone conveys Jared’s simultaneous longing and his desperation in attaining purpose and acceptance from his family and peers. He’s worthy of an Oscar nomination for sure, as is Nicole Kidman, though judging by its trailer, she will most likely score a nomination for her much more showy performance in Destroyer, coming within the next few weeks. The acting across the board is fantastic here, but these two performances stood out as particularly transcendent. The cinematography and score of the film are both pretty good too, though nothing too exemplary or showy. This is most likely a good thing, as putting too much style in a film like this in the hands of a relatively new director can often unintentionally distract from the purpose of the screenplay. I don’t blame Edgerton for keeping the story in focus here. My only major complaint is that except for a few scenes towards the end, I never felt like Jared’s character was in any real danger, and the tension was lacking. The Gift, Edgerton’s first feature, was soaked in tension and dread, which is lacking here. Whether this is because this was a true story or because it was a completely different kind of film, I still felt some greater sense of urgency could have been conveyed for the audience to further sympathize with its characters, especially in the first two acts.
While I do think Boy Erased is a great film, it’s not necessarily on the same level as Call Me By Your Name in terms of sheer sensory splendor with visuals and sound, but it still tells a great story. The acting is highly compelling, and though the film does seem to lack in style compared to Edgerton’s previous outing, the substance of the film remains intact. It’s a showcase for the actors as well as a film with a beautiful and universal message that perhaps needs to be heard now more than ever.
Verdict: See in Theaters-Full Price
Disclaimer: I review movies based on a 5-tier scale: See in Theaters-Full Price, See in Theaters-Matinee, Rental, Wait for Streaming, and Skip It. If a film is released straight to VOD or streaming, the rating will simply change to either Stream It or Skip It. If you disagree with this review, I encourage you to watch the film and as always, make up your own mind about it. Am I wrong? Am I spot on? Let me know in the comments below!
