This story tells the intimate and emotional true story of an Oregonian father Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) who ultimately pays tribute to his gay teenage son, Jadin (Reid Miller) embarking on a self-reflective walk across America to speak his heart to heartland citizens about the real and terrifying costs of bullying. The film starts with Joe's walk and then goes back and forth in order for the audience to see what led him to ultimately walk for Jadin. His wife, Lola (Connie Britton) and younger son, Joseph (Maxwell Jenkins) stay home while keeping in consistent contact with Joe. Even though the story is sober, its meaning packs a wallop.
Others to round out the cast are Gary Sinise as Sheriff Westin, Morgan Lily as Marcie, Igby Rigney as Chance, Blaine Maye as Boyd, Coral Chambers as Dutch, Scout Smith as Colleen, David H. Stevens as Jimmy Crowder, Blake Barlow as Victor and Charles Halford as Will.
This was poignantly yet grippingly directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green ("Monsters and Men" '18) plus TV, shorts and a documentary short. This filmmaker only has one other feature film to his credit, however considering all the other projects he's worked on, it's no wonder why this film was helmed so well. He truly captured the essence of the many diverse and different characters within this story. If this direction moved you, his "King Richard" is in post production. It was effectively written by Diana Ossana ("Johnson County War"(TV movie) '02, "Brokeback Mountain" '05) plus TV mini series, and Larry McMurtry ("Hud" (novel) '63, "The Last Picture Show" '71, "Lovin' Molly" (novel-"Leaving Cheyenne") '74, "Terms of Endearment" (novel) '83, "Montana" (TV movie) '90, "Texasville" (novel) '90, "Memphis" (TV movie) '92, "Falling from Grace" '92, "The Evening Star" (novel) '96, "Johnson County War" (TV movie) '02, "Brokeback Mountain" '05) plus TV mini series and TV specials. Usually most novelists don't write screenplays from their novels because most are not screenwriters, but excellent novelists, however McMurtry has the capability to execute both with expertise and finesse. Even though this film is not based on a novel, the subject matter definitely needed that pathos and compassion amongst all the rejection, fear and bullying this teenager had to endure. This is a very talented writing team and would like to see more of their collaborating. Other than a couple of very small place of inconsistencies, this story was well thought out. And what can I say about Wahlberg? Every once in while, this actor can pull off a role with incredible emotion and pathos and this film met that description. This has got to be one of his finer performances.
This film centered around the bullying of a gay teen, however bullying of anyone for any issue is wrong! I can relate to this first hand, because even though I experience no more seizures, I was bullied about having epileptic seizures when I was a child in school. It was hellish, but I got through it. My belief in God certainly helped me forgive those who bullied, but we all can learn from this film. We live in such a cancel culture society, which is nothing more than bullying, that we have to get to a place of TRUE tolerance where we can agree not to agree. There's nothing wrong with that--we actually do not have to agree with someone and still love them. It's a great film for parents to learn from.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 94mins.
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