Ganymede

I did not expect much when selecting this movie on Amazon prime but it really surprised me! "Ganymede" presents a compelling fusion of coming-of-age narrative with elements of mystery/horror. Jordan Doww delivers a powerful performance, effectively conveying the protagonist's internal conflict, complemented by a strong supporting role from Pablo Castelblanco. The directors demonstrate adept skill by using elements of horror to explore relevant social issues which are not widely known, notably motivated by religious extremism, next to the journey toward self-acceptance of the adolescences. Even though the movie is obviously fictional, I really liked that they explain at the end of the movie that gay conversion therapy is in fact a massive issue we face in today's society.

This film feels like something shot in the early 1980s, then put on a shelf and forgotten about until now.

Back then it might have been sort of edgy, but today it just feels dated and melodramatic. The characters are either creepy or corny (with the notable exception of Kyle's mother), and the relationship between Lee and Kyle feels very rushed. Letting the audience know that the now high school seniors met as freshmen was a very ineffective shortcut.

Overall, the subject matter was quite relevant, but the writing and execution lacked any real substance. Lastly, the laughable "horror" effects (costumes by Spirit Halloween?) should have been nixed completely. If you don't have the budget for effects, don't do them.

Colby Holt and Sam Probst's compelling motion picture is a true queer horror story. About a handsome kindhearted high school wrestling champion named Lee Fletcher, impressively played by Jordan Doww, who is a closeted gay teenage and constantly battles with his own sexuality to such a degree that he is emotionally and physically tormenting by visions of a grotesque demonic creature menacing him. Lee's sexual urges are completely unacceptable to his deeply religious homophobic parents, Big Lee and Floy, superbly played by Joe Chrest and Robyn and Lively, who do nothing to help him. Things become worse when Lee meets and develops a crush on an openly gay student, Kyle Culper, wonderfully played by Pablo Castelbanco in an endearing performance, who soon falls in love with him. Once Lee's parents catch wind of the attraction he has towards Kyle, they turn towards the church for help and remedies to cure their's son homosexuality which are horrific and brutal. Lee is near the breaking point as he struggles with his strong feelings towards Kyle, and the monstrous demonic creature that keeps haunting him. Solid direction by Holt and Probst, and marvelously acted by the entire cast, with an engrossing script by Colby Holt. This fine film is a mixture of Gothic horror and coming of age story that is extremely well made.

This movie does what a lot of coming out stories do not. It really highlights the struggle a lot of kids from religious families will go through when discovering their sexual identity. You will often see in these films the fear, betrayal, and hatred of others, but the self hatred, self doubt, and inner demons are so much more powerful than outside hatred. Even when the outside love and support is so vocal, the inner monologue can really drown these loving voices out. Great way to tell the story of kids that are so often forgotten about when we say things like "coming out isn't even a big deal anymore".

All this being said, the movie also has a lot of loving and light moments to it. Even some comedic aspects are thrown in, which are very much needed for such a sensitive topic.

The actors also understood their assignments. From super serious to very bubbly personalities, you get to see it all, and see how these types of people react to the gossip of someone coming out. Something for everyone to relate to in this movie.

It plays like a crossover between episodes of Are You Afraid of the Dark? And The Hard Times of RJ Berger.

The one wrestling guy was my favorite while I didn't like his dad at all. And the mom, Deadpool's sister-in-law, her characterization and backstory were pivotal to the success of the film. She made pie.

Also, Champ Kind - he is neither a champ or kind in this movie. In fact, his role is quite a departure from anything you have seen David Koechner do. He is a menacing force on the poster for a reason.

I think the biggest disservice is marketing this movie as a thriller or even horror in any traditional sense of those genres. I would call it an unconventional gay coming-of-age drama with hints of other (psychological/mystical) influences - much of which are left ambiguous as I see it.

Pitch in and put trash in its place, people.