Watch Dorian Blues

Dorian Blues is a coming-of-age film that premiered in 2004, directed and written by Tennyson Bardwell. The film is a story of a young man from a conservative family named Dorian Lagatos, played by Michael McMillian, who is struggling to come out as gay to his family and friends. The story of Dorian Blues is set in a small town in Pennsylvania, where Dorian is a recent high school graduate. The film starts with Dorian and his family, consisting of his three younger siblings, father, and mother, attending church. The opening scene showcases the Lagatos family's strict devotion to their religious beliefs, as they sit through Sunday services, singing hymns and listening to the pastor's sermons.

Dorian's father, played by Steve Fletcher, is the town's doctor and has high expectations for his son. He has big dreams for Dorian to become a doctor like himself, and his mother, played by Mo Quigley, also expects her son to follow the family's religious beliefs. Dorian's younger brother Nicky, played by Lea Coco, is a competitive swimmer who is the favorite of his father, which adds more burden to Dorian.

Dorian, on the other hand, is struggling to come out as gay and hide his truth from his family and friends. At the same time, Dorian is dealing with the struggles of young adulthood, such as dealing with a crush on a classmate, dealing with bullies, and finding his place in the world.

The film is a unique coming-of-age story that showcases the struggles of a young man who is battling his own beliefs, which conflict with his family's strict set of values. The story is well-written and well-executed, with powerful performances by the cast. Michael McMillian delivers a fantastic performance as Dorian and showcases a range of emotions as his character goes through various situations.

Lea Coco plays Dorian's younger brother, Nicky, who has a personality in stark contrast to his older brother. Nicky is brash, confident, and comfortable in his skin, which is everything that Dorian is not. However, in the film's climax, Nicky proves to be Dorian's saving grace and becomes the only family member who shows him unconditional love.

The film's strength lies in its realistic approach to storytelling, showcasing the complexities of a young adult's journey. It also highlights the negative effects of societal pressures and homophobia on a young person's mental and emotional health. Additionally, the film addresses how the pressures of adhering to religious beliefs can lead to a great deal of harm and heartache, especially when it comes to suppressing one's true identity.

The characters in the film are well-crafted, and the dialogue is honest and straightforward. The film's director, Tennyson Bardwell, uses the story to show how something as personal as a sexual orientation can often become a battleground for family members who are not ready to accept the truth. Additionally, the film shows how one's truth can also set them free and lead to a profound sense of purpose and liberation.

In conclusion, Dorian Blues is a brilliant and heartwarming film that captures the essence of young adulthood accurately. It is a story of love, acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film's director and cast have produced a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences all over the world.

Dorian Blues is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 52.