BOY ERASED

Writer & Director
Joel Edgerton
(THE GIFT)

Stars
Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Joel Edgerton

Quite recently, I watched and reviewed THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, which tackles the same subject matter as this film – gay conversion therapy. I ended that review by stating “The LGBTQ+ community deserved a better film and will almost certainly get just that by waiting for the release of BOY ERASED later this year.” So, am I right? At the risk of sounding arrogant or like a mother, yes – when it comes to movies, Moviedoc knows best. BOY ERASED indeed erases CAM POST from the memory and leaves its own lasting impact upon the viewer as intended.

In this biographical drama based on the memoir by Garrard Conley, 19 year-old Jared (played by Lucas Hedges, Oscar-nominee for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) is sent to a church-supported facility to undergo gay conversation therapy after being unexpectedly outed to his parents, Baptist pastor Marshall (Russell Crowe) and his wife Nancy (Nicole Kidman). BOY ERASED covers the secretive and damaging program that Jared is subjected as orchestrated by head therapist, Victor (Joel Edgerton) and the personal circumstances that led to his outing.

Image result for boy erased film stills

For most part, BOY ERASED is the film I hoped it would be. It certainly makes its characters and story matter very much and is told with real clarity and purpose, which is where this biographical drama effortlessly succeeds CAM POST. Though occasionally distressing and despite its heavier content, BOY ERASED is not a depressing or heavy film. In fact, one slight let down for me is its seemingly deliberate avoidance at summoning the emotional impact all throughout it is very capable of. There are some powerful moments that evoke profound feeling in its final act, but until then the temperament of BOY ERASED is more subdued. Rightly so, the focus is firmly set on giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the complex mental stress and physical harm resulting from the treatment experienced by the lead character and those around him. As mentioned, some time is also devoted to parts of Jared’s life before he is outed, with both of these timelines intersecting all throughout the film. Had this story been rendered chronologically, I do believe the film would have felt more personally involving from the outset.

It’s hard to believe that this is the very first time we’re seeing long-time friends Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe act in the same film together! Along with Lucas Hedges and Joel Edgerton, their performances are solid and unshowy. Hedges’ work is also and especially quite nuanced. BOY ERASED has been written and directed with love, care and tenderness by Joel Edgerton, and its message is strongly emphasised at the very end.

3 ½ stars

Image result for boy erased film stills
Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (A scene of strong sexual violence)