This powerful film about a college student whose parents send him to gay conversion therapy is a must-see, especially for those who still believe homosexuality is a choice – or that it is immoral.
I’m going to make this a rant rather than a review in a minute but first let me give you the background. Boy Erased is based on Garrard Conley’s memoir, with Lucas Hedges portraying Jared, Nicole Kidman as his mother and Russell Crowe as his father, who also happens to be a Baptist minister.
When they hear about an incident that occurred at school, leading Jared to admit he has thoughts about men, they realize it’s time for him to pray the gay away at Love in Action, a faith-based program focused on changing, if not his inward feelings, at least his outward behavior.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work.
And here we go. Boy Erased had me in tears, cursing and practically screaming at the screen, because this story is not fiction. In the 21st century, in the United States of America, there are plenty of kids forced to go through this, with devastating results.
Conversion therapy is still legal in more states than not, and that is inexcusable. It’s cruel, hypocritical (the notes during the end credits prove that) and ineffective. It should be banned everywhere and its “leaders” thrown in jail for abuse.
I spent a lot of time thinking about this movie because what really stood out to me was the fact that when Jared’s mom is driving him to his first day of therapy, the only site they pass along the way is a church. Although they’re in Arkansas, this is something I noticed on my press trips to rural parts of many red states over the past year: there are more churches than anything else.
I’m convinced if we replaced churches with libraries, people would be smarter, they would open their minds and think for themselves, and this country would be a better place. That’s the real way to make America great again.
I’m not saying there’s no place for faith; it’s important to believe in something bigger than you. But if you think God is going to strike someone down for who they love or God wants you to hate someone for being different than you, well, you should sit down and rethink your religion.
There is NO God who encourages hate.
Jared’s parents each eventually come to that same conclusion in their own time and in their own way, but it takes a lot of soul-searching for them to get there. Kidman, despite her big hair and seeming subservience to her husband, packs an emotional punch when she finally realizes what’s going on and lets her Mama Bear loose. Every mother will relate.
Hedges is perfect as Jared, trying to find his way, listening to everyone’s opinions and figuring out who he is and what he believes. He’s thoughtful and polite, and watching him come into his own is ultimately empowering and satisfying. And a huge relief.
But what about the kids that don’t make it? Director Joel Edgerton, who also stars as the villainous program director, has made this important and heartbreaking film for them. Go see it in their honor, bring along the people who should see it, and let’s stop the barbaric practices carried out in the name of God.
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