#REVIEW: “NATIONAL ANTHEM”

By Mr. Will Wong

Photographer-turned-Director Luke Gilford makes a very notable Feature debut with NATIONAL ANTHEM, which already has done the Festival circuit to much acclaim. The queer coming-of-age story, based on Gilford’s Photbook National Anthem: America’s Queer Rodeo, takes place against a Western backdrop and is unlike anything we’ve ever seen or felt.

The New Mexico-set Drama centers on 21-year-old Dylan, who is working as a construction worker to make ends meet for himself, his little brother and alcoholic mother.  He finds himself getting immersed in the local Queer Rodeo culture, meeting the enchanting Sky (Eve Lindley) and he not only falls for her, but at once finds his own voice, while reconciling his disapproving mother’s overpowering voice in his head.

The quiet cinematic experience has Dylan looking within, as the Film explores the concept of masculinity and Dylan defying it with the support the courage he finds in his new social circle.  He also falls in love in a situation that isn’t quite black and white in a love triangle with Sky‘s partner Pepe (Rene Rosado), and also forging a path of his own in life as a young man.  Gilford makes the scenes between him and Sky look and feel so beautiful and euphoric, taking us right into Dylan‘s heart. A very stylized and gorgeous film that feels like it took place in the past, yet feels also that it is now and the future.

Plummer immerses himself completely into Dylan‘s world, allowing him to absorb the world around him. We witness him grow, as well as his impact on the lives of those around him. While there isn’t anything big and dramatic that happens, the Film manages to feel resonant and emotional. Lindley is an absolute scene-stealer with a commanding presence to her. Her Sky will be on our minds for some time after seeing this.

Vortex Media release NATIONAL ANTHEM in theatres starting July 19, 2024.