I’m never quite sure what films Andy Burns will send me to review…especially because he knows that I have an opened mind and heart. Andy’s latest request left me quite surprised.
National Anthem
National Anthem premiered at the 2023 SXSW Festival in March of 2023 and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film was released on July 12 of 2024 via Vortex Media. It is written and directed by Luke Gilford and is based on his photobook, National Anthem: America’s Queer Rodeo. The film stars Charlie Plummer, Eve Lindley, Mason Alexander Park, Rene Rosado and Robyn Lively. The film follows Dylan (Charlie Plummer), a twenty-one-year-old young man who lives in New Mexico with his alcoholic mother, Fiona (Robyn Lively) and his young brother.
Dylan is a construction worker who is fully responsible for not only bringing in money for food and rent, but also taking care of his little brother. Dylan is angry at his mother because she gave up on the family after their dad took off. Dylan’s loneliness is palpable. All he does is work and care for his brother, while attempting to save up for an RV to escape the isolation of his rural life. One day his life changes after he is offered a job on a ranch that houses rodeo performers. As Dylan labors on Pepe’s (Rene Rosado) farm, he soon realizes that the people on the farm are queer rodeo performers who have formed a loving community and their own version of the American Dream. Dylan slowly learns about his worth through the love and companionship of Sky (Eve Lindley) and Carrie (Mason Alexander Park).
Conclusion
Like I said in the beginning of this review, Andy Burns knows me. He knows that I see to the heart and beauty of a film and its characters…even when it is a film that is not my cup of tea. I feel honoured that Andy trusts me enough to give an honest review on this film. So here goes.
I loved National Anthem, even though I am a 77-year-old straight grandmother. The cinematography was outstandingly beautiful and haunting. The storyline was truly emotional because we could identify with the characters. Let’s get real…it doesn’t matter if you are straight or queer…we all are struggling to find our soul’s mission in this crazy world.
The actors were fantastic in their roles, but especially the scenes with Charlie Plummer and Eve Lindley. Films such as this, help me to understand and respect my family members who are transexual. Love is love, and this sorry old world definitely needs more love… be it queer or straight.
