Director: Stephen Cone
Running Time: NR
Certificate: 87 mins
Release Date: May 3rd 2016 (US)
As the title of the film suggests, American teenager Henry Gamble is having a birthday party to mark turning 17. His preacher father wants his son to have a good celebration, but also keen to ensure the party gives off the right godly vibe to both the adults and youngsters – including the members of a religious youth group – who will be there. However, as the party goes on, it becomes clear that problems are lurking under the surface.
For a start, Henry may be gay and in the closet, but is avoiding the only gay boy at his party due to what people may think, even though he’s been just been masturbating with a straight friend. His friends and sister are having issues with dating and sex, made more difficult by the fact their religious upbringing has made them somewhat ashamed of acting on their impulses – even if it doesn’t actually stop them acting on them. [Read more…]