Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe star in gripping new drama about gay conversion therapy

Cape Town – There is early Oscar buzz around the fact based movie about gay conversion theraphy, Boy Erased.

And from the trailer we can see why.

Based on the memoir by Garrard Conley it tells the story of Jared (Lucas Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe) at age 19.

Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith.

Set to Troye Sivan, who also stars in the movie, and Sigur Ros’ Jónsi’s, Revelation the clip is packed with family drama and touching moments. 

Writer-director Joel Edgerton also stars in the movie he plays Victor Sykes, the head therapist at a gay conversion therapy program.

Another notable cast member is Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s Flea, who plays one of the counsellors, Brandon. 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

Speaking about her role in the film Kidman told Entertainment Weekly that she wanted to bring love to the role of Nancy. 

“The way in which she and her husband feel about putting [Jared] into conversion therapy, I wanted that to come from a place of a mother thinking it’s the right thing to do,” said Kidman. 

For Edgerton it was important to approach the story in the same way Conley did in his memoir, with empathy and compassion. 

SEE A STILL FROM THE MOVIE HERE:

#JoelEdgerton has always been fascinated by prisons, cults, and religious extremism, he tells EW. But what compelled the Australian actor and director most into adapting #BoyErased—writer Garrard Conley’s 2016 memoir about his time in gay-conversion therapy—was the opportunity to explore the author’s relationship with his devoutly Christian parents. See exclusive photos and learn more about the film starring Edgerton, #LucasHedges, #NicoleKidman and more by clicking the link in our bio. ??: Focus Features

A post shared by Entertainment Weekly (@entertainmentweekly) on May 21, 2018 at 2:50pm PDT

Boy Erased releases in SA cinemas on Friday, 26 October.