Boy Erased

THE GIST: Jared is a teenager still coming to terms with his sexuality. Having been raised in a very religious and traditionalist household, with a pastor as a father and a meek and devout mother, he doesn't object when he's sent to a gay conversion therapy program. When he's had enough of having bullshit rammed down his throat, he wants out. His mother, coming to realize the error of sending him there, supports him, but her husband finds it impossible.

Boy Erased is a really good drama that recounts a true story, which makes it all the more compelling and even harder to digest.

Lucas Hedges is riveting as Jared, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination as Lead Actor. Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Joe Alwyn, and Joel Edgerton are all excellent. Even Flea is very convincing in a pivotal role.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Here's a story that should be viewed by as many people as possible. It is so unfortunate that these types of "therapy" are still legal in many states and are forced on countless kids against their wishes and certainly against their best interests.

Grade: 8