Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Coming-of-age LGBTQ drama has language, nudity, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
National Anthem
What's the Story?
NATIONAL ANTHEM follows a young man named Dylan (Charlie Plummer) who faces a lot of pressure as a father figure to his younger brother because of their mother's (Robin Lively) struggle with alcohol dependence. Dylan finds a job at a queer rodeo and falls in love with its star, Sky (Eve Lindley). Their relationship, plus Dylan's friendships with other members of the rodeo, helps him learn more about himself and where he fits in the world.
Is It Any Good?
This poignant drama earns points for portraying LGBTQ characters in a positive, supportive way. But ultimately some of their characterizations hit a point where they don't advance beyond stereotypes for other types of characters. The main example is Sky, who breaks ground as a trans woman lead who's also the main love interest—but also adheres to the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" cliche, serving as an emotional and physical release for main male character Dylan as he works to find himself.
Mason Alexander Park gives a more nuanced portrayal as Carrie, the den mother of sorts for the group of queer houseguests who call the ranch Dylan works at home. Carrie is caring and thoughtful—but, although she's more fleshed out than Sky, you could argue that she could have been developed with even more nuance. Overall, National Anthem wants to say a lot, and for many viewers, the visibility of the representation alone will have a notable impact. But in the end, the story doesn't move the needle as much as the casting does.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representations in National Anthem. Are characters intersectional? What does that mean? Why are positive representations important in the media?
What draws Dylan to the rodeo community? How does he feel after becoming part of the group?
How does Dylan demonstrate curiosity? Why does he want to learn more about Sky and her friends?
In what ways is Dylan a positive role model for his brother?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 12, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 12, 2024
- Cast : Charlie Plummer , Mason Alexander Park , Rene Rosado , Robin Lively , Eve Lindley
- Director : Luke Gilford
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Director(s) , Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Transgender Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : LD Entertainment , Variance Films
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some drug use
- Last updated : August 23, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate