Can a film about conversion therapy balance noble intentions with effective human drama?
In short: Boy Erased, a 2018 biographical drama, depicts the harrowing experience of a young man forced into a conversion therapy program. While the film earned critical praise for its performances and empathetic tone, some reviewers argue that its focus on a powerful message occasionally overshadowed its execution as a human story.
Based on Garrard Conley's 2016 memoir, the film follows Jared Eamons, who is sent to the Love in Action program in Memphis, Tennessee, after his parents discover his sexuality. The narrative explores the psychological toll of conversion therapy—a practice that treats homosexuality as a mental disorder, a view rejected by the American Psychiatric Association since 1973. While the film aims to expose the realities of these programs, director Joel Edgerton introduced several dramatic elements not present in the original memoir, including scenes of physical abuse and a staged funeral.
The film's reception highlights a tension between its social mission and its cinematic quality. Critics like A.O. Scott and Ben Travis noted that while the film successfully navigates the intersection of religious belief and internalized homophobia, it sometimes struggles to function as a compelling drama. Some reviewers described the pacing as plodding, suggesting that the film's commitment to its message occasionally limited the nuance of its characters. Despite these critiques, the film received generally positive reviews, holding an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Beyond the screen, the film reflects a broader cultural conversation about the ex-gay movement. The Love in Action program, which once operated as a faction of a larger Christian movement, has faced scrutiny as many of its former leaders, such as John Smid, eventually abandoned the ideology to live openly gay lives. As of May 2019, conversion therapy remains legal for minors in most United States jurisdictions, ensuring that the activism fueling the film's production remains a relevant and contested subject in contemporary society.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Boy Erased
- Also: Wikidata — Boy Erased · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Boy Erased – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack · CC0
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