National Anthem
When he’s not shoveling gravel beneath the heat of the New Mexico sun, 21 year-old Dylan (Charlie Plummer, "Lean on Pete") is picking up the slack of his partying, alcoholic single mom Fiona (Robyn Lively) by caring for his little brother Cassidy (Joey DeLeon). The quiet young man dreams of one day buying an RV and hitting the open road, but when Pepe (Rene Rosado, TV's 'The Connors') chooses him one day as a temporary ranch worker, a whole new world is opened for Dylan in “National Anthem.”
Laura's Review: B+
Cowriter (with David Largman Murray and Kevin Best)/director Luke Gilford expands on his 2020 photography book ‘National Anthem: America’s Queer Rodeo’ with a joyous celebration of queer life and the freedom to find oneself on one’s own terms. This feature filmmaking debut exhibits a sure hand mixing professional and nonprofessional actors into an integrated ensemble set against the iconic landscape of the American West.
When Pepe announces his ranch is a bit far and he can only accommodate workers who can get a ride home, Dylan stands back, but he’s caught Pepe’s eye and when the man asks him directly, Dylan jumps into the back of his pickup with three other men. As they approach the ranch, a trans woman wearing floating layers of pale green tulle riding a horse grabs Dylan’s attention and he’ll learn her name is Sky (Eve Lindley, "Bros") as he washes her horse Cash. ‘I think Pepe’s got a crush on you,’ Sky tells the quiet young man who mumbles that Pepe isn’t his type. On the way home, Fiona judgmentally notes ‘they got one of them flags.’
But Dylan is drawn back, the inhabitants of the ranch named House of Splendor making him feel part of something just for himself for the first time. The lifestyle here is queer, open and accepting and Dylan is entranced by Sky, who reciprocates his attraction despite her accepted status as Pepe’s woman. Carrie (Mason Alexander Park), a non-binary drag queen, will dispense wisdom and put her curly blond wig on Dylan, declaring him fabulous and when Dylan goes to a big box store one night and runs into the ranch gang, Sky will paint his eyelids blue, declaring him an ‘eye person.’ At home, Cassidy approves, but helps Dylan wash up before their mom takes notice. Convinced to take a day off just for fun, Dylan attends a queer rodeo, where he’ll ride a bull. He’ll also experience a threesome, one which we can see concerns Pepe when he begins to feel like the odd man out.
Plummer is such a likable actor and his shy vulnerability combined with Lindley’s compassionate confidence make for a sparkling first romance, he falling hard, she recognizing a wounded soul. Gilford and his entire ranch ensemble create a supportive space, a community that takes pride in its endeavors, works together and plays together. Dylan’s experience, although not without pain, allows him to forge his own path, causing his mother to take stock of her own life.
Gilford’s depiction of the queer rodeo circuit embedded in a traditional, majestic American West is a refreshing reminder that it is the diversity of this country which makes it great and that acceptance is a nurturing experience. The film ends with the titular song being sung beautifully by a House of Splendor denizen (D'Angelo Lacy, "The Hater"). This is a rodeo I’d love to go to.
Robin's Review: B-
Dylan (Charlie Plummer) is 21, works construction and has nothing in his life but his wayward mother and younger brother. That is it for him until he takes a day laborer job on a nearby ranch. These ranchers, though, are queer and rodeo competitors. Suddenly, the young man has found a new family in “National Anthem.”
First time director Luke Gilford co-writes, with Kevin Best and David Largman Murray, what I call a fairy tale western about a young man who “finds his people.” Dylan works his butt off, mainly in under-the-table jobs, to help his party-loving mom raise his little brother Cassidy. Then, he takes a day job at the queer ranch and sees the sultry earth goddess, Sky (Eve Lindley).
The hard working young man, eager to please his new employers, throws himself into the ranch life. Everyone likes Dylan and he continues to work there, garnering an invite to come to the rodeo with them. This results in him taking a shot at riding a bucking bull and earning everyone’s respect.
Charlie Plummer is endearing as the sweet-natured Dylan. He becomes smitten with Sky and a romance of sorts begins. But, she is in a relationship with the commune’s leader, Pepe (Rene Rosado), and Dylan is definitely the third wheel. But, the rest of the commune, including Carrie (Mason Alexander Park), take the outsider in as one of their own.
Dylan’s experience at the ranch pushes him to go for his dream of owning an RV, But money conflicts with his mom complicates things, for a little while, anyway. But, this is a fairy tale and we want and need a happily ever after ending. The filmmakers do not disappoint, but do not expect high drama, just a nice story.
Variance Films releases "National Anthem" in select theaters on 7/12/24, expanding on 7/19/24.
