Writer-director Corey Sherman’s remarkable debut feature, “Big Boys,” takes audiences on a heartwarming and comical coming-of-age journey of self-acceptance. The film, which will make its West Coast premiere at Outfest Los Angeles, follows the story of Jamie, a 14-year-old queer teenager, as he navigates the challenges of accepting his identity while on a camping trip with his brother, cousin, and the cousin’s new boyfriend.
Sherman, drawing from his own personal experiences, crafted a screenplay that resonates with intimacy and charm, capturing the essence of a young person’s journey toward self-discovery. Despite being an independent production, “Big Boys” stands out on the big screen due to its relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.
The film centers around Jamie, played by Isaac Krasner, who initially feels intimidated by his cousin’s boyfriend, Dan, portrayed by David Johnson III. Over time, Jamie forms an unexpected bond with Dan, which awakens long-suppressed feelings and sparks a beautifully awkward exploration of self-acceptance.
Sherman shared in an interview with HuffPost that he aimed to capture the moment when a queer person comes to terms with their identity and embraces the part of themselves they’ve been resisting. He wanted to delve into the pivotal moment when individuals break free from isolation and find a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. For Jamie, meeting someone he truly falls for is a transformative experience that unveils the intoxicating and wonderful aspects of embracing one’s authentic self.
In recent years, LGBTQ+ stories focusing on the experiences of queer teenagers and young adults have gained visibility. While advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, such as same-sex marriage, have been made, these individuals continue to face challenges on the path to achieving full equality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfjAIfEq7w
“Big Boys” distinguishes itself from mainstream predecessors by featuring a larger-bodied teen as its protagonist, challenging the traditional depiction of romantic leads in movies. Sherman wanted to represent body diversity and showcase that attraction goes beyond societal norms. Jamie’s attraction to Dan is not despite his size but, in part, because of it. By taking this approach, Sherman aims to present a more inclusive and authentic representation of relationships.
Sherman employs a unique conceit in the film to portray Jamie’s infatuation. Adult actor Jack De Sanz steps in to depict an older version of Jamie, allowing the character to imagine himself in intimate situations with Dan. This creative choice maintains a tasteful representation of Jamie’s desires, overcoming the challenges of depicting a teenager’s crush on an adult.
After its Outfest screening, Sherman hopes that “Big Boys” will gain wider distribution, either through cinemas or streaming platforms. As a filmmaker, he aspires to continue making movies that capture the emotional depth of characters while maintaining a smaller scale. Sherman values vulnerability and wants to tell stories about characters who wear their hearts on their sleeves, offering love and compassion to the world.
“Big Boys” is a heartwarming and refreshing addition to the coming-of-age genre, showcasing the complexities of queer identity and self-acceptance. Through its relatable characters and authentic storytelling, the film leaves a lasting impression on audiences, inviting them to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery.
“Big Boys” will be screened at Outfest Los Angeles on July 22, with online viewing available from July 24 to July 30.
