The Boys in the Band
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 30, 2020
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Jim Parsons as Michael
- Zachary Quinto as Harold
- Matt Bomer as Donald
- Andrew Rannells as Larry
- Charlie Carver as Cowboy
- Robin de Jesús as Emory
- Brian Hutchison as Alan
- Michael Benjamin Washington as Bernard
- Tuc Watkins as Hank
Director
Joe Mantello
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997)
- The Normal Heart (TV movie, 2014)
Producer
- Ryan Murphy
- David Stone
- Joe Mantello
- Ned Martel
Writer
- Mart Crowley (based on his play)
Budget
Estimated $6 million
Production Company
- Ryan Murphy Productions
- Netflix
Running Time
121 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Sexual content
- Mature themes
Movie Story
“The Boys in the Band” is a drama that centers on a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party in New York City in 1968. The film is based on Mart Crowley’s groundbreaking play of the same name, which was first performed in 1968 and is considered a landmark work in LGBTQ+ theater.
The story unfolds in the apartment of Michael (Jim Parsons), who is hosting a birthday celebration for his friend Harold (Zachary Quinto). The guests include Michael’s close-knit group of friends, each with their own distinct personality and struggles. Among them are Donald (Matt Bomer), Michael’s on-again, off-again lover; Larry (Andrew Rannells), a playboy who resists monogamy; and Hank (Tuc Watkins), Larry’s boyfriend who craves a committed relationship. Other attendees include the flamboyant and witty Emory (Robin de Jesús), the reserved Bernard (Michael Benjamin Washington), and Cowboy (Charlie Carver), a young escort hired by Emory as a birthday gift for Harold.
As the evening progresses and the drinks flow, tensions rise, and old wounds are reopened. Michael, who struggles with self-loathing and internalized homophobia, initiates a cruel party game that forces each guest to confront their deepest insecurities and past traumas. The game brings out the worst in everyone, leading to a night of emotional turmoil and revelations.
“The Boys in the Band” is a character-driven drama that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the impact of societal pressures on LGBTQ+ individuals. The film highlights the complexities of gay life in the 1960s, a time when homosexuality was still heavily stigmatized. Through sharp dialogue and intense performances, the movie delves into the pain, anger, and camaraderie that define the characters’ relationships.
Special Effects
The film is a dialogue-heavy, character-driven piece that does not rely on special effects. The focus is on the interactions between the characters and the emotions that unfold throughout the evening. The set design and cinematography work together to create an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere, reflecting the emotional intensity of the story.
Box Office Performance
“The Boys in the Band” was released on Netflix, bypassing traditional box office distribution. As a Netflix original, it reached a wide audience through the streaming platform, where it was praised for its strong performances and faithful adaptation of the original play. The film resonated particularly with LGBTQ+ audiences and fans of the original stage production, while also garnering attention for its relevance to contemporary discussions about identity and acceptance.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Show me a happy homosexual, and I’ll show you a gay corpse.” – Harold
- “If we could just learn not to hate ourselves so much.” – Michael
- “You’re a sad and pathetic man. You’re a homosexual, and you don’t want anyone to know it.” – Harold
Behind-the-Scenes
“The Boys in the Band” is a faithful adaptation of the 2018 Broadway revival, which featured the same cast and was also directed by Joe Mantello. The entire cast of the film is openly gay, a significant aspect given the play’s history and impact on LGBTQ+ representation in theater and film. The production was spearheaded by Ryan Murphy, known for his commitment to LGBTQ+ stories, and aimed to bring the play’s powerful themes to a new generation.
Awards
- Nominated for Outstanding Television Movie at the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards
- Won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release (2021)
Final Verdict
“The Boys in the Band” is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written. The film benefits from a stellar cast, sharp direction, and a script that delves deep into the complexities of identity and self-worth. For those interested in character-driven stories that explore the human condition, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, this film offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. It serves as both a tribute to the original play and a timely reflection on the progress and challenges still faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
IMDb Rating
6.8/10