In a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema, Luke Gilford’s feature film debut, National Anthem, emerges as a thoughtful and evocative coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of New Mexico. The film narrows in on Dylan, portrayed by Charlie Plummer, a construction worker grappling with personal struggles, familial obligations, and his search for identity amidst a challenging environment.
The narrative centres on Dylan’s life, which is already complicated by the responsibilities of caring for his younger brother, Cassidy (played by Joey DeLeon), and their mother, Feonia (Robyn Lively), who is battling alcohol dependency. As Dylan navigates adulthood—where the desire for freedom is palpable, encapsulated in his dream of owning an RV—his personal aspirations take a back seat to supporting his family and trying to keep his mother’s dwindling hairdressing business afloat.
Changes occur when Dylan meets Pepe (Rene Rosado), the owner of a secluded ranch named The House of Splendor. This introduces him to a unique community of queer rodeo performers, integrated into the narrative in a manner that is both engaging and respectful. Speaking to SNACK Magazine Scotland, the film is pointed out to be “captivating” and effectively portrays the complexities of sexual identity without relegating the entire plot to this theme. It encourages viewers to witness the emotional journey of its characters rather than merely serve as an overt exploration of queerness.
National Anthem features notable performances from Eve Lindley, who plays the enchanting rodeo star Sky, and Mason Alexander Park, portraying a misunderstood drag queen. Their characters not only bring vibrancy to the film but also challenge Dylan’s structured life, immersing him instead in a world filled with glamour and spontaneity.
However, as the film approaches its conclusion, it signals a departure from its established narrative flow. While the climax of Dylan and Sky’s relationship initially suggests a definitive end, an unexplained epilogue diverges from this trajectory. By this point, the film’s original premise, involving a sexually curious man in search of solace within a nonbinary haven, becomes muddled, leaving the audience questioning the intended takeaway.
Despite these narrative inconsistencies, National Anthem is heralded as a refreshing and celebratory portrayal of an often underrepresented dynamic within the LGBTQ+ community. The film stands out for its ability to avoid the pitfalls of moral preaching, much like its predecessors Brokeback Mountain and Minari, placing it firmly in the hands of a promising and insightful filmmaker. As audiences seek representation in storytelling, this film offers a nuanced perspective that resonates within the contemporary LGBTQ+ landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services