"Boy Erased" Movie Review

“We always come back to Dog’s true design.”

It’s a sentence out of Jared’s conversion therapy booklet in Boy Erased, which he enrolls in after coming out to his parents. The booklet is littered with typos; one of many signs that the institution is illegitimate, and the psychological punishment that ensues is heartbreaking.

This film features a fantastic ensemble cast, including Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as Jared’s parents. Joel Edgerton, writer, director, and star as the conversion therapy leader, also gives a phenomenal performance and masterfully pieces this film together, which bounces between Jared’s experience in the conversion program and the events leading up to it.

And at the forefront, Lucas Hedges playing Jared, whose career has been filled with Oscar-winning projects. His role in Boy Erased extracts another admirable performance out of the young actor.

Boy Erased never tries too hard to elicit tears or insight anger. But for those who can relate or empathize with Jared’s experience, tears and anger may happen naturally. While Jared’s dad proclaims that The Bible “has every answer you’re looking for,” Boy Erased embraces the fact that it does not, yet is compelling enough for viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?