Watch The Matthew Shepard Story

The Matthew Shepard Story is a 2002 made-for-TV drama film directed by Roger Spottiswoode. The film tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. The film stars Stockard Channing as Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother, and Shane Meier as Matthew Shepard. Wendy Crewson plays Catherine Connolly, a prosecutor who helps to bring Matthew's killers to justice.

The Matthew Shepard Story is a powerful and emotional film that explores the impact of hate and intolerance on individuals and communities. The film opens with a montage of news footage from the aftermath of Matthew's death, setting the stage for the story to come.

We then meet Matthew, a bright and friendly college student who is openly gay. He is close with his family, including his mother Judy, who is supportive of him but worried about his safety. We also meet his friends and acquaintances, who describe him as a kind and caring person who never hesitated to help others.

The film then shifts to the night of October 6, 1998, when Matthew was lured to a remote location by two young men who proceeded to beat him and leave him tied to a fence overnight in freezing temperatures. Matthew was found the next day by a passing cyclist, but he had already suffered severe brain damage and other injuries. He died in the hospital a few days later.

The rest of the film focuses on the aftermath of Matthew's death, as his family and friends struggle to come to terms with their loss and seek justice for what happened to him. Though the community of Laramie tries to distance themselves from the crime and deny that it was a hate crime, the evidence eventually becomes overwhelming and the perpetrators are brought to trial.

Throughout the film, we see the impact of Matthew's death on those around him, as well as the deep-rooted societal prejudices and intolerance that led to his brutal murder. But we also see the strength and resilience of those who loved him, as they come together to honor his memory and fight for justice.

Stockard Channing gives a powerful performance as Judy Shepard, capturing both her grief and her determination to make sure her son's death was not in vain. Shane Meier is also excellent as Matthew, imbuing the character with warmth and humanity.

Overall, The Matthew Shepard Story is a moving and impactful film that deals with important social issues in a respectful and empathetic way. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of hate and intolerance, as well as the power of love and compassion to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.

The Matthew Shepard Story is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.