K.T Simpson
In a country as free as Australia, it’s sometimes difficult to imagine the oppression and difficulties suffered by others, even in first world Western countries like the United States. Unfortunately,
Based on a true story, and a 2016 memoir of the same name by Garrard Conley, “Boy Erased” follows teenager Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges) who finds himself in gay conversion therapy following a breakup with his girlfriend. His parents, Baptist preacher Marshall (Russell Crowe) and hairdresser Nancy (Nicole Kidman) struggle with his coming out, resulting in the therapy.
While there, Jared makes new friends but struggles with the therapist Victor Sykes (Joel Edgerton), who has a fairly aggressive approach to ‘helping’ the teens overcome their homosexuality. As a result, Jared calls his mother, who collects him and takes him home – much to the disgust and anger of his father.
The whole concept sounds foreign in a world where homosexuality goes largely unnoticed, and really has no impact on the people and world around us. It’s hard to believe that such conversion therapies still exist, and actively work to remove the “gay” from people. In the land of free speech and opinions, it’s entirely hypocritical that we should judge what someone else chooses to do and believe in their personal life. But this is life, and Edgerton has managed to capture this horror in an emotionally powerhouse film.
With a hard-hitting cast including Hollywood heavyweights Crowe and Kidman, it’s almost surprising that Edgerton is the standout – not only kicking goals in his directorial debut, but also the standout actor in a fairly difficult role. The actor delivers a believable performance that succeeds in making you loathe the character as he essentially bullies those he’s employed to give therapy to.
Ultimately, “Boy Erased” is one of the more surprising films of the year, and quickly cements Edgerton into the category of great directors. He’s provided a heartfelt and emotional film that successfully deals with sensitive subject matter with both charm and respect. Add this to your “must watch” list.
