Boy Erased – Movie Reviews by Ry!
Boy Erased – Coming to be, Who We Are
It is but a wonder, the things we see in ourselves. Within that sight, there are many other eyes looking upon with thoughts that corner or beliefs that swoon. A caution of sorts that become something so true that you hope others can see in reality. The meaning of ‘who we are’ comes through many spectrums. There are experiences that define ourselves that will come into conflict with family, revealing meaningful things in this world. A true-life tale that blends with dramatics and coming-of-age tropes, Boy Erased provides a window into endearment of what it is to be loved.
The story focuses on Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), who is forced to go through a gay conversion program by his father, Marshall Eamons (Russell Crowe) and Nancy Eamons (Nicole Kidman). The premise is laid out through ominous threads, allowing you to ‘breathe’ the characterization of the situation. What the first few minutes does is allow the conflict of Jared and his father, Marshall, set motion the rest of the story’s development. With this, the rest of the film follows through a complimentary approach with linear direction bridged by flashbacks. The central plot puts the focus on Jared, and how he navigates this program while retracing his past. Through the back-and-forth of time, the story weaves through familiar threads of adolescent, family drama and love. What makes the journey shine above any average melodrama is the subtle character interactions. Everything is grounded through physical mannerisms and dialogue, opening the emotions within the fragility of social and religious overtones. You aren’t badgered with what is right or wrong but presented an endearing tale that comes within genuine themes of respect and family.
Even with the strong character development, there is a lot directed within the predictable tropes of ‘real life’ drama. These elements come out through the slow pace of the film, forcing the audiences see clichés overshadow meaningful moments. This can cause the melodrama to drive away realism, but the consequences of each interactions eventually lead to strong results. As the climax comes, there is a posturing moment of two halves having to make a whole. This creates a hopeful epilogue of what family is in the end. For all the strong adoration of the acting and script, there is plenty of predictable detail and cliché dramatic tropes. Even so, there is enough here to recommend seeing this at the theaters. This is a riveting journey that will have you thinking of respect and love.
Final Score – 3.5 of 5 (Matinee)