Set in the wide-open landscapes of New Mexico, the National Anthem tells the poignant tale of Dylan, a shy 21-year-old construction worker searching for a sense of belonging. When Dylan takes a job at the House of Splendor ranch, he discovers a close-knit community that will help him learn about himself. Directed in his feature debut by photographer Luke Gilford, the film immerses viewers in the authentic world of a queer rodeo troupe, allowing universal themes of identity and love to shine through.
We meet Dylan as he balances providing for his neglectful mother and young brother with difficult manual labor. Seeking steadier work, he ends up at a ranch unlike any he’s known—it’s a refuge for LGBTQ+ performers. Initially taken aback, Dylan soon embraces these new friends. Among them is the vibrant Skye, who helps Dylan embrace feelings he’s long suppressed. Played with sensitivity by Charlie Plummer and Eve Lindley, their bond blossoms against the backdrop of gritty rodeo competitions.
Shot over just 17 days, but with the epic sweep of Westerns past, Gilford instills the film with quiet empathy. Beyond fluid cinematography capturing rugged terrain, his naturalistic direction draws on lived-in performances. Plummer excellently charts Dylan’s self-realization, while Lindley imbues Skye with charm and complexity beyond typical tropes. Together, they form the tender heart of this discreet revelation of spirit. The National Anthem subtly celebrates those who find courage to fully live as themselves, wherever the journey may lead. For open-minded viewers, it promises a refreshing story of discovering one’s true nature through the guidance of an affirming community.
Natural Connections
At the center of the National Anthem is Dylan, a shy yet sensitive young man balancing responsibility with his own self-discovery. Played exquisitely by Charlie Plummer, Dylan works tirelessly but finds little fulfillment. When a job opens at the House of Splendor ranch, it presents new prospects for both labor and the community.
There, Dylan encounters a troupe as diverse as the landscape—a place where all are encouraged to fully inhabit their identities. Among them is Skye, brought to vibrant life by Eve Lindley. As a barrel racer in an open relationship with rancher Pepe, Skye exudes a warm spirit. She sees into Dylan and draws out his hidden depths, igniting an attraction that is challenging but ultimately freeing for Dylan.
The development of Dylan and Skye’s bond feels authentic, moving in a way too often absent from stories of awakening. Neither character feels defined by their romance but rather finds wholeness through honest connection. Pepe gracefully respects the unfolding closeness as well, prioritizing healthy dynamics over superficial drama. As Dylan comes to know Skye, he progresses along a journey as internal as the hills stretching to the horizon.
Elsewhere, the ranch provides a familial network, bolstering self-acceptance. Carried subtly by Mason Alexander Park, Carrie offers open-hearted counsel when Dylan experiences life’s bumps. Through nuanced portraits like these, the National Anthem celebrates the power of found family, where none feel constrained by labels but are supported to be their fullest selves.
The film follows no rushed timeline, allowing moments to breathe as details emerge naturally through Plummer’s understated work. Worlds are unveiled not through exposition but through the quiet exchange that distinguishes real lives. Nowhere does judgment enter this soft haven, where all share simply in friendship, labor, and passion for the rituals tying people together.
The National Anthem tells a story of self-discovery through fellowship, authenticity, and the landscapes witnessing our eternal search for home. It is a gentle, thoughtful portrait sure to resonate with anyone seeking to better understand themselves and their place within the community.
Revelations Through Relationships
The National Anthem allows us to bear witness to some truly standout performances, none more so than Charlie Plummer’s soulful embodiment of Dylan. Walking the delicate line between courage and vulnerability, Plummer brings Dylan vividly to life; we feel his striving for stability and sense his hidden longings coming slowly into focus. It is a masterful piece of subtle, deeply empathetic work.
No small part of this is due to Plummer’s natural chemistry with Eve Lindley’s Skye. Where Dylan remains tentative, Skye engages fully with liveliness and care. Lindley makes her character’s vivacious spirit beautifully irresistible; through her, we understand how Dylan’s heart might begin to open in new ways. Their intimacy feels genuine, nourished by these gifted actors meeting one another with presence, grace, and trust.
Supporting them is a phenomenal ensemble. Of particular note is Mason Alexander Park as Carrie, bringing luminescence to a role that could so easily have been minor. As one of the ‘House of Splendor’s’ nurturing souls, Carrie fosters the conditions where souls may ignite through tenderness and strength of their own accord. Park seizes this opportunity to amplify community and connection.
What director Luke Gilford has fashioned here is a safe container for his performers to explore experiences of love and self-revelation in a manner that is at once brave and restrained. Their work celebrates how our greatest insights often emerge not in isolation but in relationships, through encounters with others whose lives may intersect with our own in ways both surprising and revealing of mutual humanity. The National Anthem sees beauty in bringing private moments to light, handled beautifully by this remarkable company of artists.
Natural Beauty
Director Luke Gilford brings a real ease to the helm of the National Anthem. There’s an understated confidence in how he navigates this coming-of-age story, allowing moments of introspection and intimacy to unfold at their own organic pace. Likewise, cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi works wonders with the camera, adept at sweeping vistas one moment and closing tenderly in on our characters the next. Together, they give the film a lovely visual lyricism.
That Gilford should wield the Western genre in a progressive new manner is hardly surprising given his background photographing queer rodeo culture. From the stunning New Mexico landscape down to intimate character touches, his visual language subtly guides our perspectives. Arizmendi peers at Dylan’s journeys within with a welcome softness too, lingering with care over the growing connections between him and Skye.
Of course, none of this could ring so true without the ranch setting of ‘House of Splendor.’ At once relaxed and expressive, it provides these performers with a with a space to truly belong. Gilford places his characters here with an eye to authenticity, presenting queer traditions like drag or bull-riding without isolation or sensationalism. Instead, we see lives soundly lived according to community and individual spirit alike.
Ultimately, the National Anthem boasts a delightful balance. Tradition and innovation coexist gracefully thanks to Gilford’s sensitivity. Old ways find new meaning through these characters, as they in turn find belonging. And whether racing across stark vistas or sharing intimacy’s quieter moments, Arizmendi’s camera joins them as a respectful observer, granting viewers similar subtle revelations into life’s unfolding beauty.
Belonging and Becoming
The National Anthem tackles some meaningful themes. At its core, it’s a story about self-discovery. Dylan starts off keeping parts of himself locked away, focusing more on providing for his family. But through new friends out at the ranch, life opens his eyes in ways he didn’t know were possible. The performers there teach that being true to your nature matters most.
A big part of his journey sees Dyl exploring who he is through romance too. Scenes of intimacy show vulnerabilities emerging between him and Sky. Yet their bond forms gradually as comfort levels rise at a natural pace. In each other, they find acceptance of all shades of gray in us all. Through caring more for connection than concerns of gender or past, they help each other come to light.
Community lays at the film’s heart too. Together at the ranch, each soul finds a place, shunning no one’s shape. Differences bond as much as likeness there. Witnessing their queer spaces unfold free from prejudice is a celebration any outsider can gain from. It reminds me how embracing diversity enriches friends together.
Overall, the National Anthem portrays searching for identity as a process, not something carved in stone. By letting Dylan take his time opening up around others, it shows new understanding grows from comfort, not force. And we share more of the human experience than limits us. Its hopeful message is that we all have depths left to reach. With support and by opening arms to one another, we can find where we truly belong.
Parallels and Progressions in Coming of Age Tales
The National Anthem shares some parallels with other poignant coming-of-age films, though it takes things in a refreshing direction too. Like Call Me By Your Name, it casts a mesmerizing spell with languid scenes soaking in the beauty of its setting. Neither film feels the need to rush their tales along, preferring we slow down and truly see the characters’ gradual journey unfold.
Where some stories depict struggles with repression, this one avoids dwelling on obstacles. Prejudice plays no part in hindering Dylan’s self-discovery. Instead of facing homophobia, his challenges lie within—coming to terms with his own feelings kept hidden. By freeing him from typical hardships, we experience his awakening in a peacefully intimate light.
Its focus on finding community offers a slice of life view into queer spaces little seen on screen. Gay rodeos and drag shows appear simply as joyous expressions of an identity, free from surrounding stigma. The National Anthem paints a picture where one can belong without barriers, where gender and sexuality live without strict boundaries too.
In crafting Dylan’s coming of age as a quiet internal shift, the film progresses a tradition of poignant queer tales. It presents his story with compassion, reality, and hope, showing there can be many healthy roads to self-acceptance. By capturing life’s beauty in characters pursuing their own version of happiness, the National Anthem casts its own tranquil spell.
Wrapping Up a Winner
The National Anthem proves itself to be a thoughtful, nuanced take on the beloved coming-of-age and Western genres. With limited time and budget, Gilford crafted a heartfelt small film, doing both justice. He displays talent that is sure to shine through bigger projects.
Plummer and Lindley lead a standout cast, feeling authentically alive in each moment. Their blossoming romance expresses joy, longing, and self-discovery with admirable grace. Gilford guides viewers through Dylan’s journey in a visual style that is both classic and fresh. Sweeping landscapes showcase intimacy between characters.
While other films center on obstacles, this work focuses inward—on finding where we belong. The Rodeo community portrays queer identities matter-of-factly, with a progressive vision of inclusion. The National Anthem provides a unique take on American myths, reaffirming them for marginalized groups. It presents a gentle, optimistic view of living freely as one’s fullest self.
For thoughtful drama and assured direction from a debut filmmaker, The National Anthem receives high praise. Gilford proves himself an emerging talent with great care for characters and their stories. Fans of warm independent films will find much to enjoy in this refreshing, moving picture. It earns a strong recommendation.
The Review
National Anthem
In summary, the National Anthem proves a poignant delight, telling a coming-of-age story with nuance, empathy, and visual flair. Director Luke Gilford guides viewers on Dylan's introspective journey to find self-acceptance within a portrayed queer Rodeo community. With natural performances and assured visuals, Gilford excels as a filmmaker for such a limited debut.
PROS
- Natural, empathetic performances from the cast
- A unique, progressive portrayal of the queer experience
- Breathing room to explore characters and their relationships
- Gorgeous cinematography of Western landscapes
CONS
- A slow pace may not appeal to all viewers.
- Some plot points feel thinly developed.
- Cliched depiction of Dylan's mother
