𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐄𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖)

Boy Erased (2018) is a powerful and emotional drama directed by Joel Edgerton, based on the memoir of the same name by Garrard Conley. The film addresses the deeply painful and controversial practice of “conversion therapy,” which aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation through psychological treatment. Boy Erased explores themes of identity, love, family, and the harm caused by societal and religious intolerance.

The story follows Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), a young man from a deeply religious and conservative family in Arkansas. Jared’s life begins to unravel when his parents, Nancy (Nicole Kidman) and Marshall (Russell Crowe), discover that he is gay. Jared struggles with his sexuality and the pressure to meet his parents’ expectations, particularly his father, a Baptist preacher, who is adamant about preserving the family’s reputation and religious values.

In a desperate attempt to “fix” their son, Jared’s parents enroll him in a controversial “conversion therapy” program, led by the authoritarian and manipulative Victor Sykes (Joel Edgerton). The program is designed to “reprogram” gay individuals, teaching them to reject their sexual identity and conform to heterosexual norms. Jared is subjected to intense psychological and emotional manipulation, including group therapy sessions and one-on-one counseling, where he faces both verbal abuse and guilt-driven tactics.

Throughout the program, Jared forms bonds with other participants, including Gary (Troye Sivan), a fellow “convert,” and begins to question whether he can truly change who he is. While grappling with the trauma of the therapy and the rejection from his family, Jared’s internal conflict grows. He ultimately comes to a breaking point and makes a decision about his future, seeking acceptance for who he truly is.

Boy Erased received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe. Hedges’s portrayal of Jared was lauded for its emotional depth, while Kidman and Crowe’s performances were recognized for capturing the complex love and conflict between parents and their child. The film was also praised for its respectful handling of the sensitive subject matter of conversion therapy.