National Anthem
Sometimes, coming of age means letting go of things and people that meant a lot to you at a key moment in life, and figuring out your own path in life. For Dylan (played by Charlie Plummer), that moment is now, as he is working to buy an RV, so that he can see more of the world than living with his mother provides. It’s an engaging story, and brought to life well in Luke Gilford’s film.
Dylan is a 20-something in New Mexico who lives with his mother (Robyn Lively) and his brother. His mother is a hairdresser, but she also spends a lot of time out drinking, and beredes Dylan for not bringing in enough money as a construction worker; in fact, he is saving money for an RV so he can get away from her. One day, he is afforded the chance for a solid two weeks of work at a ranch. That ranch is House of Splendor, where the residents are encouraged to explore their sexuality, and figure themselves out. The head of the ranch is Sky (Eve Lindley), whom Dylan connects with immediately. The more he gets involved with the House, the more he starts to figure out about himself.
“National Anthem” is a film of exceptional beauty by the way Gilford and his cinematographer, Katelin Arizmendi, shoot New Mexico’s vistas, and life on the ranch in general. This is a beautiful film to watch, but where it’s real beauty lies is in the human story at the center. All that Dylan seems to know at the beginning of the film is that he does not want to be where he is at the moment- he isn’t interested in finding his dad, but cannot stand living with his mom, anymore. His is a dull life; he doesn’t drink, or smoke, or do much beyond work. But he feels like himself around Sky and everyone else at the ranch; he feels alive. This is a wonderfully acted film, with Plummer and Lindley as the main standouts, but Rene Rosado as Pepe- the head of the ranch- and especially Mason Alexander Park as Carrie- as a drag performer who provides emotional support for everyone at the ranch are also terrific as we see everyone navigate the emotional lives they live. Sometimes, we find people who help us connect with ourselves in the most unlikely places. “National Anthem” is a lovely reminder of how important that is.
