National Anthem – Movie Review
First Reaction – National Anthem is a beautiful journey into a small community.
Where to Watch
National Anthem is on UK and Ireland digital platforms 9 December from Blue Finch Film Releasing.
Director: Luke Gilford
Writer: Kevin Best, Luke Gilford, David Largman Murray (Screenplay)
Cast
- Charlie Plummer (All the Money in the World)
- Eve Lindley (Bros)
- Rene Rosado
- Mason Alexander Park (Quantum Leap)
- Robyn Lively (The Karate Kid Part III)
Plot: A 21-year-old construction worker in New Mexico joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.
Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: National Anthem starts when 21-year construction worker Dylan (Plummer) takes a new role in a New Mexico rodeo community. Here, he steps into the queer community with Sky (Lindley), Pepe (Rosado) and Carrie (Park). However, back home he helps care for his younger brother Cassidy (DeLeon) while his mother Fiona (Lively) drinks too much.
As Dylan gets closer to the community, he finds himself spending more time with them and learning more about his own sexual identity. It leads to him needing to decide about his future and what he wants in life.
Verdict on National Anthem
Recap
The movie follows a young construction worker who finds himself meeting a New Mexican queer community. He starts learning more about himself and discovering what he wants from his life.
Best Parts
The movie does an excellent job of showing how being accepted into a community can make someone feel more valuable. Even if it is one, they next expected to get involved with. It also highlights Dylan’s impulsive side, which has caused rifts in his life. The performances are fantastic too with Charlie Plummer continuing he impressive run. We also get to learn more of an open community within the open world in America.
Final Thoughts –National Anthem is a wonderful snapshot into small-town America.
