Boy Erased
dir. Joel Edgerton · 2018
Feature
Identity Crisis
Mood
Melancholic / Tense
Look
muted color palette with intimate close-ups
Structure
linear progression with flashbacks to formative moments
Plot
Jared, the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, is outed to his parents at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith.
Why watch
"Boy Erased" is a poignant exploration of identity and acceptance, capturing the harrowing journey of a young man caught between his faith and his truth. With its intimate storytelling and emotional depth, this film resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of love, family, and self-acceptance.
Talking points
- the ethics of conversion therapy
- the intersection of faith and sexuality
- familial acceptance and rejection
- the journey of self-acceptance
Cultural context
the rise of LGBTQ+ rights movementsthe impact of religious conservatismthe stigma surrounding mental healththe legacy of conversion therapy practices