Boy Erased Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A preacher’s kid gets sent to Jesus camp to un-gay himself but accidentally becomes more self-aware, much to the chagrin of everyone involved.

🍿 Boy Erased: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Forced Outing and Initial Conversion Therapy

Jared Eamons, the son of a Baptist preacher, is outed to his parents and pressured into attending a gay conversion therapy program. The film depicts his early life, highlighting the clash between his inner feelings and the strict religious expectations of his family and community. The initial stages of the program introduce the audience to the methods and philosophies employed, setting the stage for Jared’s internal conflict.

Inside ‘Love In Action’

The conversion therapy camp, ‘Love In Action,’ is run by Victor Sykes, who employs manipulative techniques under the guise of religious guidance. Jared is subjected to psychological pressure, rigid rules, and forced confessions designed to suppress his homosexual urges. He forms tenuous bonds with other participants, each struggling with their own internal battles and external pressures. Flashbacks reveal the events leading up to his enrollment, including a traumatic encounter at college.

Mother’s Awakening and Jared’s Stand

As Jared endures the program’s increasingly harmful methods, his mother, Nancy, begins to question the legitimacy and ethics of ‘Love In Action.’ She witnesses the emotional distress inflicted upon her son and starts to recognize the damaging nature of the therapy. This leads to a pivotal moment where Nancy confronts Sykes and ultimately chooses to support Jared’s true identity, signaling a turning point in their relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges): Jared, a college freshman and the son of a Baptist preacher, is sent to a gay conversion therapy program after being outed to his parents, forcing him to confront his identity.
• Nancy Eamons (Nicole Kidman): Nancy is Jared’s mother who initially supports her husband’s decision but gradually questions the conversion therapy and ultimately chooses to embrace her son’s true self.
• Marshall Eamons (Russell Crowe): Marshall is Jared’s father, a Baptist preacher struggling to reconcile his religious beliefs with his love for his son, leading him to enforce conversion therapy.
• Victor Sykes (Joel Edgerton): Victor is the head of the conversion therapy program, ‘Love in Action,’ who uses manipulative and psychologically damaging techniques in the name of religious belief.
• Cameron (Britton Sear): Cameron, a fellow attendee at ‘Love in Action’, struggles with the conversion therapy program, ultimately succumbing to despair and tragically taking his own life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marshall Eamons: “God cannot love you the way you are.” – Said by Jared’s father, a Baptist pastor, expressing his belief that Jared’s homosexuality is a sin and unacceptable to God.
• Nancy Eamons: “A mother knows… I’m sorry I let you down.” – Nancy expresses remorse to Jared for initially supporting the conversion therapy and not trusting her instincts as a mother.
• Gary: “Fake it till you make it.” – Gary advises Jared to conform to the expectations of the conversion therapy in order to survive the program.
• Nancy Eamons: “Shame on them, and shame on me, too.” – After pulling Jared from the conversion therapy program, Nancy acknowledges her own culpability in subjecting her son to the harmful treatment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,788,692
• Worldwide Gross: $11,853,081

💥 Boy Erased Reviews

Personal Review

I was deeply moved by ‘Boy Erased.’ Lucas Hedges’ portrayal of Jared’s internal struggle felt so raw and authentic. The scene where Nicole Kidman finally confronts Joel Edgerton’s character gave me chills. I left the theater with a heavy heart, but also a sense of hope that stories like these can help change hearts and minds. It really highlights the damaging effects of conversion therapy, and I was left with a profound respect for Garrard Conley and his bravery.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Individuals seeking films that explore themes of identity, family, and acceptance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of homophobia and religious conflict”
  • “Depiction of gay conversion therapy”
  • “Reference to rape”
  • “Teen suicide”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Edgerton’s ‘Boy Erased’ skillfully navigates a sensitive subject with nuanced performances, particularly from Hedges, Kidman, and Crowe, though it occasionally pulls back from fully exploring the depths of its characters’ emotional turmoil.
• Variety: “Anchored by a compelling performance from Lucas Hedges, ‘Boy Erased’ offers a timely and vital look at the damaging effects of conversion therapy, even if its understated approach sometimes lacks the emotional resonance it aims for.
• The Guardian: “‘Boy Erased’ is a well-intentioned and competently made drama that shines a necessary light on the horrors of gay conversion therapy, though it sometimes struggles to balance its message with truly engaging storytelling.

Audience Reactions

Nicole Kidman delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother torn between her faith and her love for her son.: The film’s performances, especially Hedges, Kidman, and Crowe, were universally praised for their emotional depth and authenticity.

Many viewers found the depiction of conversion therapy to be both disturbing and eye-opening.: The film sparks conversations about the dangers of conversion therapy and the importance of acceptance.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and moving drama with strong performances, ‘Boy Erased’ sheds light on the harmful effects of conversion therapy, though some viewers find it emotionally understated.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Garrard Conley, the author of the memoir on which the film is based, declined the opportunity to write the screenplay himself, believing a filmmaker would be better suited to adapt his story.”
• “The film’s title doesn’t appear on screen until 11 minutes into the movie, a deliberate choice to reflect the gradual unveiling of Jared’s identity and struggle.”

🖥️ How to Watch Boy Erased?

As of October 2024, ‘Boy Erased’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies for purchase online through retailers like Amazon. Streaming options may vary depending on your region and subscription status.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Boy Erased, you might like these similar films:

• The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018): Similar exploration of the damaging effects of conversion therapy on a young LGBTQ+ individual.
• Prayers for Bobby (2009): Deals with a mother’s regret and activism after her gay son’s suicide due to religious intolerance.
• But I’m a Cheerleader (1999): Satirical look at conversion camps, offering a dark comedic take on similar themes.
• Love, Simon (2018): A coming-of-age story centered around a gay teenager and the challenges he faces, though with a lighter tone.

🛒 Boy Erased Related Products

• Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family by Garrard Conley: The book that inspired the film, Conley’s memoir offers a raw and unflinching account of his experience in conversion therapy. It provides a deeper dive into the psychological and emotional complexities that the film touches upon.
• Boy Erased [Blu-ray]: The Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and deleted scenes, providing a comprehensive look at the making of the film.
• Boy Erased Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s theatrical poster.
• Troye Sivan – Bloom (Album): The critically acclaimed second studio album by Troye Sivan featuring hit singles and his signature electropop sound. As an actor in Boy Erased, this album provides a musical connection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Boy Erased features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Revelation” – performed by Troye Sivan & Jónsi
• “The Good Side” – performed by Troye Sivan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Troye Sivan on ‘Boy Erased’, His Album ‘Bloom’ & More | TIFF 2018 | MTV News

Ever wondered how Troye Sivan got involved with ‘Boy Erased’ and what the emotional experience was like for him? He shares some really raw and honest thoughts about the film and his original song. It’s definitely worth a watch to hear his personal connection to the story!

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