THE BOYS ARE ALRIGHT // A FILM REVIEW OF “BIG BOYS”
BY MATEO MORENO
BIG BOYS, the new wonderfully heartfelt and tender film by Corey Sherman, premiered in 2023 at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival to sold-out screenings. It then went on the festival circuit, landing in Outfest and winning “Best Audience Award, Best Narrative Feature, Grand Jury Prize and Outstanding Performance for Isaac Krasner). Now this accomplished film, after a theatrical release in NY and LA, is available for all to see in the privacy of your own home on demand. And trust me, you’ll want to see this charmer. Issac Krasner makes a breakout performance by playing Jamie, a chubby fourteen-year-old kid who has an older brother (Taj Cross) that teases him a bit too much and a loving mother (Emily Deschanel in a "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance). He’s really excited about their upcoming “cousins” camping trip that will include his brother and his cousin Allie (Dora Madison) but is soon crushed to find out that Allie will be bringing her boyfriend Dan (David Johnson III). Resistant to him at first, Jamie is soon won over by Dan as he shows kindness and attention towards him and slowly begins to realize that he harbors a secret crush on his cousin’s new boyfriend. Jamie’s not out of the closet with his family at all. His brother Will even cruelly teases him, asking if he’s gay and if he is let him know so he can “sleep in the other tent.” Plus, his brother is strongly trying to push Jamie into hooking up with a local girl at a campsite near them so he can then hook up with her friend. No one seems to really see Jamie but for the first time, he sees himself and feels himself coming alive around Dan, all while still struggling to figure out all of these feelings inside of him.
Whether you’ve spent your childhood as a queer kid struggling with your own sexuality as I have and hiding your true feelings from those around you, everyone can relegate to Jamie’s awkward journey and repressed emotions. Writer/Director Corey Sherman does an excellent job showcasing the lonely nuances of being a teenager and he has made a film that proudly shares a plus-size queer story, something that’s sadly all too rare in cinema. Issac Krasner is pitch perfect as young Jamie, emoting pure honesty and a genuine warmth in every one of his scenes. I truly hope this film sets him up for a grand future, because he shows here the inner workings of a young star to be. David Johnson III is wonderful as Dan, never overplaying any scene and giving a layered, honest performance. His scenes with Jamie are real and tender; he clearly sees himself in Jamie (Dan is also a “big boy”) and wants to make sure he has someone in his corner, the way he never did. Dora Madison brings a nice warmth and compassion to the screen and Taj Cross perfectly encapsulates the over-confident (only because he’s actually very insecure) older brother who teases relentlessly because that’s his job. All of the performances feel lived-in, real and wonderfully evokes the world of a childhood crush. There’s also never an “icky” moment. Jamie knows that Dan is too old for him, but when he fantasizes, he’s older too (played sweetly by Jack De Sanz). It’s a sweet and lovely addition to an already heartwarming story. Big Boys is a fantastic film for everyone, but especially for every generation of queer kids growing up, especially those who feel like Jamie. The message is clear: Self-acceptance is the true path to happiness and being yourself is the most wonderful version of you there is. We can all see ourselves in Jamie.
GRADE: A
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Corey Sherman STARRING Isaac Krasner, Dora Madison, David Johnson III, Taj Cross, Emily Deschanel, Marion Van Cuyck, Emma Broz, Jack De Sanz NOW AVAILABLE ON DEMAND