Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Boy Erased is an important film that deserves to exist and be seen by the right audience. It exposes the very real harm of conversion therapy and gives voice to LGBTQ+ people navigating hostile religious environments. The performances are solid, the story is based on truth, and the message—that you don't need to be 'fixed'—is vital.

But let's be real: this is a tough watch. It's not entertaining in the traditional sense; it's emotionally draining and depicts sustained psychological abuse. The pacing is slow, the tone is heavy, and you'll finish feeling gutted even though the ending offers some hope.

For parents of LGBTQ+ teens or teens questioning their identity, this might be valuable viewing together—with preparation and follow-up conversation. For others, it's educational but not exactly something you'd choose for movie night. The 6.9 IMDb and 3.3 Letterboxd ratings reflect what audiences felt: it's well-intentioned and important, but not particularly memorable as cinema.

If you're looking for LGBTQ+ content that's more uplifting, look elsewhere. If you want to understand why conversion therapy is harmful and illegal in many places, this does that job well—just brace yourself.

Age Fit

This is strictly for mature teens (15+) and adults. The subject matter—conversion therapy, religious trauma, family rejection—is psychologically intense and potentially triggering. Younger teens aren't ready for this level of emotional heaviness, even if they're mature for their age.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

The film portrays emotional abuse and psychological manipulation within conversion therapy, depicting family rejection and religious trauma. While it ultimately affirms self-acceptance and condemns harmful practices, the journey includes significant emotional distress, shaming, and unhealthy family dynamics that dominate much of the runtime. The ending offers some redemption but doesn't erase the difficult content.

Imaginative

45

This is a straightforward biographical drama that follows a fairly conventional narrative structure. While competently made, it doesn't break new cinematic ground or invite creative exploration. It's a serious, linear story focused on one person's experience rather than imaginative world-building or innovative storytelling. The 3.3/5 Letterboxd rating suggests audiences found it solid but not particularly inspired.

Safe

35

Contains depictions of conversion therapy including emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, and scenes of physical restraint. Includes discussions of sexuality, a sexual assault backstory, religious trauma, family rejection, and suicidal ideation. Common Sense Media rates it 15+. While not gratuitously violent or sexually explicit, the subject matter involves significant psychological distress and trauma that would be deeply disturbing for younger viewers and potentially triggering for many.

Enriching

78

Based on Garrard Conley's memoir, this film offers important insight into the harmful reality of conversion therapy and LGBTQ+ experiences in religious communities. It builds empathy, exposes a serious social issue, and affirms authentic identity over forced conformity. The 80% RT critic score and 69 Metacritic indicate solid critical reception for its thoughtful handling of difficult material. It's genuinely educational about a practice that continues to harm young people.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shines a light on the real harm of conversion therapy, helping teens understand why these programs are dangerous and increasingly illegal
Based on a true story (Garrard Conley's memoir), giving authentic voice to LGBTQ+ experiences in conservative religious communities
Strong performances that convey the emotional complexity of family love mixed with rejection
Affirms the message that there's nothing wrong with being gay and that authentic identity matters more than forced conformity
Can spark important conversations about religious trauma, family acceptance, and standing up for yourself

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What to Watch For

This is emotionally heavy—depictions of psychological abuse, family rejection, and religious shaming throughout
Includes references to sexual assault and suicidal ideation
The conversion therapy scenes show emotional manipulation and physical restraint that may be disturbing or triggering
Definitely not a feel-good watch; it's a serious drama that will leave you feeling gutted even with its hopeful ending
Best for mature teens (15+) who can handle difficult subject matter and process complex emotions

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about how Jared's parents handled finding out he was gay? Have you heard of other families reacting this way?"
"Why do you think conversion therapy is so harmful, even when people claim they're doing it out of love?"
"How would you support a friend who was going through something like this?"
"What do you think it takes to stand up to your family when they want you to be someone you're not?"
"The movie shows how religion can be used to hurt people—how have you seen faith used in positive ways instead?"