For a long time, movies about the queer experience existed solely to discuss the pain associated with not being accepted, or the actual abuse that can occur. And while those issues do exist, some filmmakers — especially those who are themselves part of the LGBTQ community— choose to focus more on the joyful or humorous aspects. Corey Sherman is one such filmmaker, and in his film “Big Boys,” recently on VOD, he gives the audience a wholesome, happy look at a young boy discovering himself.
When 14-year-old Jamie (Isaac Krasner) realizes that his favorite cousin Allie (Dora Madison) is bringing her boyfriend Dan (David Johnson III) along on their camping trip, he is disappointed. He wants to spend time with his cousin and avoid his brother, Will (Taj Cross). But when Dan compliments his burgers, Jamie realizes he wants to do more to impress Dan. In part because he thinks Dan is just a cool guy — but as the days tick by, he begins to realize that maybe something else is going on. Perhaps that desire to impress Dan has more far-reaching implications.
If ever there was a movie that celebrates the awkwardness of teen crushes, this movie is it. Jamie is so blessedly earnest in his admiration for Dan, while just beginning to dip his toes into his queer identity. Regardless of your orientation, you will connect with him. The film is the precursor to a coming-out story — and simply a story about a crush. The crush aspect makes it deeply relatable to anyone watching it.
Isaac Krasner is a star in the making. The supporting cast is terrific, notably Johnson as Dan, but this movie lives and dies by Krasner’s performance and he crushes it. He often reminded me of Elsie Fisher in “Eighth Grade,” one of the best on-screen portrayals to captures how cringy it is to be in middle school. Krasner’s performance, while showing that awkwardness, also embodies so much boldness that it’s hard not to fall in love with him. The final shot in the movie is gorgeous, and it is largely thanks to his acting.
As sweet as this movie is, it is also quite funny. To get out of making out with a girl he just met, we watch Jamie feign being drunk. We get a young boy making a list to figure out if he’s gay or not. We see a grown man losing it when he gets lost and then calming down when he just eats a snack. The humor is gentle but absolutely present.
Human sexuality is a fascinating topic and complicated to discuss, especially when it involves minors. Like Jamie in the film, young people are just beginning to discover who they are, what they believe and to whom they are attracted. “Big Boys” doesn’t give any definitive answers to those questions, but it is an honest and sweet look at the process.
Alise Chaffins is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack.
