The story of Nathan, a young teenager who tries to flourish in a romantic relationship with neighbour Roy. The two young men will have to face the brutal reality of the rural south of the United States in the late 1970s.
Acting
Stephan Bender's trembling restraint breaks your heart.
Cinematography
Sweltering Louisiana light that feels like a trap.
Writing
Dialogue so sparse every word wounds.
Director
James Bolton
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rooney Mara's first feature film role — she plays Roy's girlfriend Evelyn with quiet cruelty.
The film adapts Jim Grimsley's 1995 novel, which was banned in multiple school districts for its frank depiction of gay teenage sexuality and abuse.
US
