"Boy Erased" is a 2018 biographical drama film directed by Joel Edgerton, based on the memoir of the same name by Garrard Conley. The film addresses themes of identity, faith, and family, and it provides a harrowing look at the controversial practice of gay conversion therapy.
Plot Summary
Jared Eamons, a sensitive and introspective teenager, lives in a conservative community in Arkansas. His father, Marshall, is a Baptist preacher, and his mother, Nancy, is a devoted homemaker. Jared's life takes a dramatic turn when a college classmate outs him as gay to his parents. Confronted with his sexuality, Jared faces the painful dilemma of either being true to himself or conforming to his family's and community's expectations.
Marshall and Nancy, deeply influenced by their faith and societal norms, decide to send Jared to a conversion therapy program called Love in Action, hoping to "cure" him of his homosexuality. The program, led by the strict and authoritarian Victor Sykes, employs a combination of religious indoctrination and pseudo-psychological techniques aimed at changing participants' sexual orientation.
Key Characters and Their Arcs
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Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges):
- Jared's journey is central to the film. Initially, he is conflicted and unsure of his place in the world, feeling immense pressure to conform to his parents' expectations. As he endures the harsh realities of the conversion therapy program, Jared becomes more resolute in his identity. He begins to see through the harmful practices and teachings of the program, leading to a pivotal moment of defiance and self-acceptance.
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Nancy Eamons (Nicole Kidman):
- Nancy starts as a supportive but somewhat passive figure in Jared's life. Her character undergoes significant growth as she witnesses the toll that conversion therapy takes on her son. Gradually, she becomes a fierce advocate for Jared, culminating in her decision to remove him from the program and stand up to her husband, prioritizing her son's well-being over societal expectations.
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Marshall Eamons (Russell Crowe):
- Marshall represents the struggle between deeply held religious beliefs and unconditional love for his child. Throughout the film, he grapples with his faith and his role as a father. While initially supportive of the therapy, Marshall's rigid stance softens as he begins to understand the pain it causes Jared. By the end, although not fully accepting of Jared's sexuality, he shows signs of willingness to bridge the gap between his beliefs and his love for his son.
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Victor Sykes (Joel Edgerton):
- Sykes is depicted as a complex antagonist. On the surface, he is stern and unwavering in his methods, enforcing strict rules and punitive measures. However, glimpses of his own internal conflict and past struggles add depth to his character, suggesting that his rigid stance is a product of his own unresolved issues.
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Supporting Characters:
- Gary (Troye Sivan) and Cameron (Xavier Dolan): Fellow participants in the program, each with their own backstories and coping mechanisms. Gary provides a voice of reason and solidarity, while Cameron's tragic fate underscores the devastating effects of the therapy.
Thematic Depth
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Identity and Self-Acceptance:
- The film explores the painful journey towards self-acceptance in the face of societal and familial rejection. Jared's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of being true to oneself.
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Religious Dogma vs. Personal Faith:
- "Boy Erased" delves into the conflict between institutionalized religion and personal faith. It questions the morality of using religion as a tool for coercion and highlights the potential for faith to be a source of love and acceptance.
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Parental Love and Acceptance:
- The evolving dynamics between Jared and his parents underscore the film's exploration of unconditional love. It portrays the journey of parents coming to terms with their child's identity and the challenges of balancing deeply held beliefs with genuine affection.
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Psychological Trauma of Conversion Therapy:
- The film sheds light on the psychological and emotional abuse inherent in conversion therapy. It emphasizes the long-term damage such practices inflict on individuals, reinforcing the urgent need for societal change.
Production Notes
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Direction and Screenplay:
- Joel Edgerton, who directed the film and wrote the screenplay, based it on Garrard Conley's memoir. Edgerton's approach to the material is respectful and sensitive, aiming to authentically portray the real-life experiences of those subjected to conversion therapy.
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Casting:
- The film features a stellar cast, with Lucas Hedges delivering a powerful performance as Jared. Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe provide nuanced portrayals of his conflicted parents, while Joel Edgerton himself plays the role of Victor Sykes with a chilling intensity.
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Cinematography and Music:
- The cinematography by Eduard Grau captures the oppressive atmosphere of the therapy sessions contrasted with the warmth of Jared's memories and moments of introspection. The score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans adds an emotional depth to the narrative, enhancing the film's impact.
Broader Impact
"Boy Erased" has had a significant impact on raising awareness about the harmful practice of conversion therapy. It has contributed to ongoing discussions and legislative efforts to ban such practices, particularly in the United States. The film's release coincided with increased activism and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, adding a poignant and personal perspective to the broader movement.
Conclusion
"Boy Erased" is a deeply moving and important film that tackles challenging themes with sensitivity and empathy. It serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of conversion therapy and a powerful narrative about the journey towards self-acceptance and unconditional love. Through its compelling characters and heartfelt storytelling, the film leaves a lasting impression on its audience, encouraging a greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.