Boy Erased

            Based on the memoir by Garrard Conley, this power drama recounts Mr. Conley's time in Conversion Therapy. The screenplay and direction is by actor Joel Edgerton, who also plays the conversion therapist, Victor Sykes.

            The film stars Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as Nancy and Marshall Eamons, the parents of Jared Eamons (based on Mr. Conley). The real star of the film, however, is Lucas Hedges who plays Jared. Mr. Hedges is one of the finest actors of his generation and once again, brings amazing grace and strength to a serious role. 

            As the film begins, Jared enters conversion therapy excited and hopeful as he believes the work can help him sort out his feelings and confusion about homosexuality. Coming from a strong religious background, he doesn't want to hurt or disappoint his parents but he comes to realize that conversion therapy will do nothing for him and that he must be honest with himself about his own sexuality.

             The interaction of the three leads is heartbreaking and Jared's time in "therapy" is maddening but yet, the film ends on a hopeful note that healing has begun. Mr. Edgerton's script gives everyone a chance for some very powerful moments but the film really belongs to Mr. Hedges.  

             Conversion Therapy is very real in many parts of our country. The film's epilogue shares photos of the real Mr. Conley and his family as well as startling statistics about the "therapy".