As You Are – Review

Some people realize at a young age that they’re either straight or gay. For others, however, the road to a sexual identity is much more complicated. As You Are follows two boys as they attempt to comprehend their feelings for each other. Both are in desperate need of guidance and understanding from their elders. Yet, their emotions are only met with hostility and narrow-mindedness. Director/co-writer Miles Joris-Peyrafitte delivers a haunting, intense film that reveals what can happen when people are unable to expressive themselves.

Owen Campbell is Jack and Charlie Heaton is Mark, a couple teenagers growing up in the 90’s. When Jack’s mom (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Mark’s stern dad (Scott Cohen) enter a relationship, the boys immediately hit it off. Sharing similar tastes in music and weed, the two become the best of friends and closer than brothers. The more time they spend with together, though, Jack and Mark suspect they might possess even deeper feelings for one another.

After sharing a kiss one day, both begin to question if they’re homosexuals or simply confused. To make matters even more complex, there’s a girl stuck in the middle that Jack and Mark may have affection for. Amandla Stenberg completes the love triangle as Sarah, who also has a difficult time deciding whether she views these boys as potential mates or just friends. All three young actors share an exceptional rapport, masterfully encompassing the angst, doubt, and heartbreak that accompanies growing up.

Surrounding this coming of age story is a mystery revolving around somebody’s supposed death. Every once and a while, As You Are flash-forwards to John Scurti’s Detective Erickson interrogating another character connected to the case. At first, the audience may think they know exactly were this subplot is going. The film cleverly keeps us guessing, however, working up to a harrowing climax and a final destination many won’t anticipate.

On one hand, As You Are is a movie about finding acceptance. On the other hand, it’s more about the importance of communication. It’s never made completely clear is Jack and Mark are gay. That’s largely because neither boy feels safe discussing their feelings with each other or anyone else. With more active, nurturing roles models in their lives, it’s entirely possible that these two could be well-rounded individuals. Since nobody responds to their cries for supervision, though, Jack and Mark are sent on a rocky road that appears bound to end in tragedy.