NATIONAL ANTHEM – A Review by Jenn Rohm
Luke Gilford published a series of his photographs, sharing the beauty of the community found in the International Gay Rodeo Association. Using the same name, he co-wrote and directed his first feature film, National Anthem. In an interview, Gilford said, “One thing that I love about this community is that if you show up, you’re accepted. There’s something really beautiful about that. That’s what America is supposed to be.”
This film is a glimpse into the community. Dylan, Charlie Plummer, is a shy 21-year-old in a small town in New Mexico. He is doing any job he can to help support his mom, Fiona, Robyn Lively, and much younger brother, Cassidy. He keeps to himself and does not appear to have a social life, which allows his mom to go out and drink. One day he accepts a job from Pepe, Rene Rosado, and is taken to a ranch named House of Splendor. Upon arriving, Charlie’s eye is caught by women riding horses in formal gowns. As we take in the other inhabitants of the ranch, everyone is happy and helping one another. They are also free to represent themselves as they want to be. As Charlie discovers who he is in this new environment, Carrie, Mason Alexander Park, takes on the role of wise and caring guide.
Cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi sensually captures New Mexico’s beauty and the characters’ free spirits. The few scenes with adult activity content are tastefully captured and fit in with the film. Embracing the magic of the natural golden light, the audience can feel the sun on their skin and smell the fresh hay being carried across the ranch.
Plummer is believable as the painfully shy introvert who has most likely never had a sexual relationship before. He brings an air of innocence, determined grit to complete a task at hand, and a loving heart for those he cares about to the role. Park does what they do best, delivering sage advice with a side of laughter and care all while looking fabulous.
The screenplay has some gaps, especially in the third act, which is a bit ‘bubble gum and duct tape’ to give closure. There is a scene with Charlie and Fiona where she brings up his father. The scene took away more than it added to the story. I believe it would have been better just to leave it open-ended.
Remember, this is a drama, not a rom-com. It does not have a fairy-tale ending, and I appreciated this more realistic look at someone discovering who they are and what they want to do next. It also includes relationships that are not just made up of male-female connections. The cast identifies as male, female, transitioned, and non-binary. They are open and accepting, especially to those who are open and accepting of them.
Director: Luke Gilford
Written By: Kevin Best, Luke Gilford, David Largman Murray
Cast: Charlie Plummer, Eve Lindley, Rene Rosado
MPAA Rating: Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language, and some drug use.
Genres: Drama
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 36m
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Trailer: National Anthem Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
