NATIONAL ANTHEM

National Anthem has a tenderness that instantly invests audiences in this touching coming of age story about self-discovery, acceptance and found family that becomes a powerful film thanks to the strong lead performances of Charlie Plummer and Eve Lindley.

There is something special about National Anthem, and it stems from the film’s screenplay. The film is inspired by director Luke Gilford’s monograph National Anthem: America’s Queer Rodeo, and follows a young man who has a queer awakening after discovering a group of queer rodeo competitors and discovers a new way of life. Set against the largely homophobic, mainstream rodeo circuit and many states passing legislation to legally discriminate against queer individuals, such a celebration of this community on camera has an extra gravity to it. What ensues is a moving coming of age story as our main character finds his place in the world, discovers his found family and mends his own strained family relationships. Under the direction of Gilford, the film keeps a good pace and never sacrifices the emotional impact of the story, aided by impressive cinematography that captures the beauty of New Mexico, ensuring that it is a film that is going to connect and speak to viewers that the film was made for. And even though I am not one of those individuals, it's hard to not be impressed with such a strong feature film directorial and writing debut from Gilford. Yes, at times I wish the film was a little longer and was able to explore its themes more deeply in the second and third act that would have resulted in a richer emotional experience, but Gilford’s vision and voice rings true throughout the film. It’s a compelling story and directorial effort that has me interested to see what Gilford tackles next.

With such a delicate story being told, the performances are a vital part of the film, and the cast is more than up to the task. Charlie Plummer is impressive in the lead role of Dylan, bringing a quiet compassion to this young man trying to find his place in the world while supporting his younger brother. The majority of his scenes are shared with Eve Lindley as Sky, who is just as strong as Plummer in her performance. There is a soulful quality that Lindley brings to the role that welcomes both Dylan and the audience into her character’s world, allowing her to shine every second she is on camera. Plummer and Lindley have a tender chemistry that captures this first love for Dylan, and even if it does not end how he wants it to, it brings a bittersweet feeling to the film that makes this story feel even more authentic. The supporting cast is good, notably Robyn Lively who brings a sincerity as Dylan’s single mother Fiona who is struggling with her own issues despite an undeniable love for her children. But this film belongs to Plummer and Lindley whose character’s benefit from the most developed arcs in the screenplay, and there is not a moment during the film where their performances falter, even for a second.

Odds are before reading this review, you haven’t heard of National Anthem, but it is one film that you will want to check out this summer. Luke Gilford’s careful and purposeful direction allows this intimate story to work its way into your heart, combining the best elements of a coming of age story with a touching narrative of accepting and embracing your true self. With the impressive performances of Charlie Plummer and Eve Lindley bringing to life this sentimental queer awakening story, National Anthem manages to be both a charming celebration of the queer community and a strongly made film that makes for one of this year’s hidden gems.