Boy Erased is a biographical drama based on a specific time in the life of Garrard Conley, a Baptist preacher’s son who as a teenager was forced to take part in a church-supported gay conversion program. A disturbing and damaging practice that I’m sadly unsurprised to learn still continues today. 

Besides standing out for being a heartbreaking true story that’s well-acted and directed, Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Joel Edgerton’s latest movie features several scenes that will stay with me for a while.

My very favourite one is a scene so moving that it made me realise I don’t actually recall the last time I so desperately wanted a person’s all-important phone call to be answered.

My second favourite scene takes place just before the one with the phone call. It’s a moment that had me hoping every parent with a strong-willed child recognises the value of their child’s will. Especially when the child chooses to question what appears as nonsense, at the most crucial time, regardless of who may be spewing said nonsense.

Boy Erased has many heartbreaking things that happen, meaning you really won’t be laughing much, if at all. Still, I found the experience worthwhile for the insight into what can occur at gay conversion camps, and for well-executed and memorable scenes that take place towards the end.

Watch it if it intrigues you enough, and also because it’s more hopeful than you might think.

Happy Film Loving,

G