Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tender LGBTQ+ coming-of-age tale with mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Big Boys
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Fourteen-year-old Jamie (Isaac Krasner) is going on a camping trip with cousins Will (Taj Cross) and Allie (Dora Madison) in BIG BOYS. When his mom (Emily Deschanel) informs him that Allie is bringing her new boyfriend, Jamie is less than thrilled, but immediately he finds himself fascinated with Dan (David Johnson III). That fascination is a little more than just interest in an older guy; Jamie is figuring out his own sexuality, and Dan is arousing unexpected feelings. Meanwhile, Will is up to his usual bullying, and he's pushing Jamie to "hook up" with other campers their age, Erika (Marion Van Cuyck) and Quinn (Emma Broz).
Is It Any Good?
This sensitive coming-of-age story takes its time building characters around small but consequential moments. Big Boys also constructs a sense of authenticity by staging scenes at a realistic pace and enveloping its characters in natural light and sound. As the star, Krasner captures both the inner turmoil of an insecure 14-year-old figuring out his own sexuality (in a potentially unaccepting world of "bros") and an unusually thoughtful and communicative boy. The film conveys this tension, and a closing scene comes as a relief, offering a hopeful ending to this tender and engaging tale. Maybe we'll get a sequel picking up 10 years later in Jamie's life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Big Boys portrays Jamie's internal struggle to determine his own sexuality and talk about it with others. What aspects of this portrayal felt most real to you? How so?
In what ways does Dan show empathy for Jamie? In what ways does Will show less empathy? Why is that empathy so essential for Jamie at that moment in his life?
How does the film show its teenage characters behaving differently than its 20-something characters? Did the differences feel authentic? How so, or not?
What role does the campsite setting play in this movie? What metaphorical interpretations could you give for characters getting lost in the woods or bathing together in the lake?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 22, 2025
- Cast : Isaac Krasner , David Johnson III , Dora Madison Burge
- Director : Corey Sherman
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , African American Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Dark Star Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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