The Exploding Boy

The Exploding Boy follows Alex Silver, a talented but angsty teen who dreams of becoming the next Jim Henson. Unfortunately, his life is no happy puppet show. His dad is overbearing, his school is oppressive, and even people in the neighborhood seem out to get him. But everything changes when Julius, a mysterious transfer student, enters his life. With Julius' upbeat optimism, Alex slowly learns to better himself, step by step. 

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The Exploding Boy harkens back to the independent gay films of the 1980's and 1990's and the New Queer Cinema. Its compelling story but rough edges make it a sort of baroque cinema - a flawed pearl - perhaps cracked or odd shaped, but a rare and beautiful pearl nonetheless.