(2008, 90 min)
Country: U.S.
Director: James Bolton
Studio: Here!
SYNOPSIS: Dream Boy is a moving film based on Jim Grimsley's stunning and tragic novel about gay first love. When the shy Nathan moves next door to the charismatic Roy, the boys strike up an immediate friendship. As they grow physically attracted to each other, the two must keep their desires secret or face violent backlash from their rural backwoods community.
REVIEW:
Nathan has moved to a new town — apparently his family moves often and rather quickly. Nathan’s dad is a nasty, violent drunk and his mother stands by, helplessly watching her son crumble under the abuse. Luckily Nathan has hiding places where he’s safe with his fantasies.
The boy has developed a crush on his blond-haired neighbor Roy, which quickly turns from daydreams to reality. They steal time to make sweet love in secret, keeping the relationship hidden from their families and Roy’s suspicious buddies. The boys can’t imagine why Roy hangs out with the sissy boy Nathan. The group of friends plans a camping trip that misfires from the very beginning — there are darker motives and forces at work here than a simple camping expedition. But even the scheming teens don’t anticipate the dark events that take place that fateful day.
Director James Bolton (The Graffiti Artist) has worked wonders in bringing Jim Grimsley’s delicate, classic gay novel to the screen intact. With its moss-covered live oaks, teen gay love and worn country paths, Dream Boy is a stunning literary adaptation.
-- Scott Cranin, TLA Video (http://www.tlavideo.com )
