“Boy Erased” chronicles the life of Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), a young man from small-town Arkansas who is struggling with his sexual identity. His very conservative religious parents, Nancy Eamons (Nicole Kidman) and Pastor Marshall Eamons (Russell Crowe), seek the advice of church elders, after a traumatic event takes place during Jared’s first year at college.
Jared is sent to a conversion therapy institute, which initially seems to be welcoming, but eventually proves to be daunting. The ‘counsellors’ at the institute attempt to convince him and others that their homosexual tendencies are the result of sinful family behaviours, that homosexual thoughts and feelings can and must be cured, and that God will no longer love them if they don’t correct their sinful states of being.
Ultimately, things take a turn for the worse at the facility, and Jared begs his mother to remove him. During a tearful reunion, Nancy expresses her deep regret for having been too submissive to the elders’ recommendation and Jared expresses his gratitude for his mother’s unconditional love and acceptance. Soon afterwards, he moves to New York City to rebuild his life as an openly gay man and accomplished journalist.
Jared soon discovers, however, that his parents’ marriage is strained, because his father is too proud and conventional to accept Jared’s alternative lifestyle. Eventually, Jared confronts his father. When faced with the reality that he might lose his son forever, Marshall agrees to try to accept and embrace the man that Jared truly is.
This movie is based on the life of Garrard Conley, a journalist instrumental in exposing gay conversion therapy and a high-profile advocate for the LGTBQ movement.
In Closing…
I would recommend this movie, not solely because of its inclusive subject matter and exemplary acting, but also because it touched me as a parent. No matter how old your children are, or the types of challenges they may face, it is important for them to feel supported and unconditionally loved.
A young boy (or girl) lives on within each of us…and whose spirit should never be erased.
Which movies have most inspired you? Connect with me and let me know!
Sincerely Kay Parent 
Your review has inspired me to see “Boy Erased.” Thanks to Garrard Conley and the producers of this movie for sharing this story. Kay, please keep on writing movie reviews.
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