Focus Features Adds “Boy Erased” To Its Impressive LGBTQ+ Lineup

Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to Boy Erased, a queer coming-of-age film from director and writer Joel Edgerton.

According to Deadline, both Focus Features and Netflix were trying to get Boy Erased. The upcoming film is based on Garrard Conley’s memoir. The cast includes Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) along with Russell Crowe (The Mummy) and Nicole Kidman.

Anonymous Content will be producing the film, which is planned to begin production this fall. The team is aiming for a 2018 theatrical release. The announcement was made by Peter Kujawski, the chairman of Focus.

The film will tell the story of Jared (to be portrayed by Mr. Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Ms. Kidman and Mr. Crowe) at age 19. Jared is quickly pressured into attending a gay conversion therapy program – or else be shunned by his family, friends, and church. It is within the program that Jared comes into conflict with its head therapist (Mr. Edgerton).

“I’m excited to work with an ensemble of actors, seasoned and new, to bring Garrard’s story to the screen. I think Focus is the perfect partner on this, and I will always thank Garrard for trusting my passion for his life story. I can’t think of a better reason to get behind the camera again,” said Mr. Edgerton.

I’m glad that Focus Features were able to require the rights to Boy Erased. Focus Features have made and released Beginners, Dallas Buyers Club, The Danish Girl, Milk, and Brokeback Mountain. So the company does have experience when it comes to making queer films that also get Academy recognition.

Mr. Kujawski commented, “Garrard’s story is both timely and timeless, both personal and universal. It is a story which will not only deeply move people, but one that we hope will change outlooks. We are thrilled to work once again with Joel, and with the Anonymous Content team. These filmmakers’ passion for this heart-rending project speaks to all of us at Focus, and to why we make the movies we do.”

Fair Haven is another queer film about ex-gay conversion therapy if you want to check it out.

Are you looking forward to Boy Erased? Have you read the memoir? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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