Boy Erased

Based on memoir of LGBTQ+ activist Garrard Conley, movie explores damaging effects of gay conversion therapy. Queer characters played by out actors include Lucas Hedges and Troye Sivan; overall, the film portrays queer youth with sensitivity. Given Arkansas setting, cast is nearly all White except for Carl (played by Chinese-Vietnamese American actor William Ngo) in a minor role as one of Jared's fellow attendees at the conversion therapy program. Women also generally take a backseat except for Jared's mother, who has some agency as she learns to use her voice and stands up to her husband to protect her son.

A character is raped by a friend; the scene takes place on-screen under the covers. A young man is beaten with a bible by his family in a worship setting as punishment for being gay. Adult counselors push and try to prevent Jared from leaving the building. A character dies by suicide off-camera.

A married couple embraces. Teens in their underwear swim in a lake at night. Two young men kiss, sleep next to each other while holding hands. A young woman offers to go farther, physically, than her boyfriend would like.

Occasional swearing includes "f--k you," "s--t," "bulls--t," and "f--got." A discussion of sin and its consequences includes comments like "God will not love you the way that you are."

Adults drink beer at a party. Brief scenes of smoking include a man with a cigarette; two young men sharing a joint.