11/27/18 - Boy Erased (2018) - 6/10

I expected more. It was good, but basic, never pushing me as a viewer or emotionally. I felt the torment but I wanted to connect with all three of the major characters and found myself wanting. It was just a bit emotionally stagnant for what it was meant to be. Kidman got the most to work with and nailed her big moments, but her stand-out performance should have been a backdrop rather than a go to.

The idea and pathos of this film was better than the eventual product. The subject matter is extremely worthy and should bring intensity and indignation. Instead, Boy Erased resigned itself to a solid but safe, which just never felt as good as it could be. I think Edgerton could have pressed the desolation and pain, both inside of Hedges and surrounding the family. It is all adequate glimpses instead of mortifying depth.

Honestly, it just never struck to the core of me. I wanted it to rip me. To stab me. To burn me. There might be singes or small slices, but the blood and pain just wouldn’t gush out. It was something we all know and saw as bad but not felt as tortured. A bit disappointing compared to what I think it could have done and been. Still, solid enough with a couple good performances.