Based on a memoir of the same name by Jared Conlon (sensitively but not melodramatically played by Lucas Hedges), this film tells his story about growing up gay and Baptist in a small American town (with a disapproving pastor as his father) and being forced to attend a so-called “conversion therapy” camp, where the goal is to re-orient the campers away from their “sinful” lives. (That these camps still exist is a tragic circumstance for many.) Russel Crowe (as the dad) is intolerant, perplexed, and saddened, and it’s impressive that Crowe allows his character to be, in a number of ways, sympathetic. Nicole Kidman is excellent as Jared’s mom, who it can be said probably, and literally, saved his life. (I saw this film at TIFF, and the real Jared and his mother were part of a fascinating Q&A — his mom is in my mind a hero.)
