Based on the true story of Garrard Conley (named Jared Eamons in the film), who was forced to join a gay conversion therapy program after being outed to his parents. While there, Jared comes into conflict with its leader and begins his journey to finding his own voice and accepting his true self.

Boy Erased is the second directorial effort of Joel Edgerton, who also writes and stars in the film, and I’ve been a fan of his acting even before he took a seat behind the camera. He’s proven himself to not only have a grip on a script and cast but also convey a theme strongly through filmmaking. Lucas Hedges has impressed me very much these last few years, especially in Manchester by the Sea and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, but in the leading role he is once again able to shine as a young man who wants to be himself but his parents and peer’s beliefs come into conflict with who he is. Edgerton also stands out as the leader of the gay conversion program who also believes homosexuality is a sin and a choice, even though it is part of who somebody is. This head therapist acts as a source of passionate hate and demoralization for those who are at the therapy, even though back then some people thought this kind of therapy would “cure” people and make them heterosexual without considering what mental and emotional harm this would cause.  Also remarkable are Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as Jared’s parents, who seemingly must choose between what they believe and their unconditional love for their son. The movie is tough to watch in some parts because of how unfortunate the situation was — members of the LGBT community were forced to believe something was wrong with them and that they had to be “fixed”, and that this kind of therapy is even still allowed in 36 states. I’m glad we live in a time where more people accept others for who they are and more LGBT men and women can live life as they please and feel comfortable with their identity, even though the world still isn’t perfect. This powerful execution is resonant yet imperfect — a more linear storytelling and some more on-screen emphasis on the protagonists’ emotional state would have made his arc hit home even more, but the final 20 minutes are especially fantastic and deliver every performance to its fullest, and its theme wonderfully.

Boy Erased has powerful themes and outstanding performances that will resonate, as well as an important message that is as relevant today as it was then.