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MOVIE: Boy Erased

STARRING: Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Joel Edgerton.

RATING: M REVIEWER: Leigh Paatsch

A FASCINATING, moving and well-made drama, Boy Erased focuses on the controversial practice of conversion therapy, in which homosexual youth are shipped off to religiously inclined rehab facilities to “pray the gay away.”

Working in writer-director mode, Australian actor Joel Edgerton coolly tackles this complex, hot-button topic with impressive levels of tact, sensitivity and balanced insight.

The true story told here is based on the best-selling memoirs of Garrard Conley (played by Lucas Hedges under the character name of Jared Eamons), the gay son of an American Baptist preacher who was transferred to a conversion clinic during his first year in college.

Rather than adopt a strictly melodramatic approach which may have sensationalised this material – or rendered it too archly provocative – the screenplay makes a welcome and concerted effort to follow Jared’s plight from all sides.

In particular, the line of thinking that brought Jared’s loving, devoutly religious parents Marshall (Russell Crowe in imposing form) and Nancy (Nicole Kidman, also to the fore with some exquisite scenes to her name) to arrive at such a drastic decision is outlined clearly and sympathetically.

Marshall and Nancy are not demonised for making what some would deem an unforgivable mistake. Like so many people in similar situations, they were doing what they thought was right, based on what counsel was available to them at the time.

Performances, writing and direction across the board here are consistently strong and committed, as is Boy Erased’s eloquent push for greater acceptance and understanding.