Watch Poster Boy

Poster Boy is a 2004 drama film that centers around the life of Henry Burke, a poster boy for a conservative political campaign who is gay. The movie opens with Henry's parents, Jack (Michael Lerner) and Eileen (Karen Allen), watching their son on television, promoting family values and a return to traditional morality. They are proud of him and his staunch stance on homosexuality, which is a major platform of the campaign.

However, their world is turned upside down when Henry falls in love with Anthony, a fellow student at his college, and decides to come out to his family. The news not only shatters his parents' image of their son, but it also threatens the entire political campaign as Henry's image as a poster boy starts to unravel.

While Henry's family struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, his relationship with Anthony blossoms. However, as they attempt to navigate their relationship amid the controversy surrounding Henry's public persona and the political campaign, they discover that they are not alone in their struggles.

The film takes a deep dive into the complexities of family dynamics, politics, and social acceptance. It raises questions about the authenticity of political campaigns and how candidates' personal lives can be scrutinized and used against them as leverage. It also touches on the emotional and psychological toll that being a poster child can have on one's mental health and personal relationships.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the portrayal of the Burke family. Michael Lerner delivers a standout performance as Jack, Henry's conservative and judgmental father, who is forced to confront his beliefs when faced with the reality of his son's sexuality. Karen Allen is equally impressive as Eileen, a loving and caring mother who struggles to reconcile her Christian faith with her love for her son.

Matt Newton, who plays Henry, delivers a nuanced performance as a young man grappling with his sexuality, family expectations, and personal beliefs. His chemistry with Jack Noseworthy, who plays Anthony, is palpable and believable, making their relationship feel real and authentic.

While the movie deals with serious and heavy themes, it is also beautifully shot and well-written, with moments of humor and levity that help to balance the tone. The film's ending, which I won't spoil, is poignant and powerful, delivering a message of hope and acceptance that feels genuine and earned.

Overall, Poster Boy is an excellent and thought-provoking film that explores the intricacies of family, politics, and social acceptance. Its strong performances, well-crafted script, and beautiful direction make it a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBT issues and social justice.

Poster Boy is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 36.