Watch Valentine Road

Valentine Road is a 2013 documentary film that depicts the shocking incident of the murder of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old student who had openly been exploring his sexuality and gender identity. The film raises critical questions about the complexities of gender identity, bullying, and the education system's inability to address such issues.

The movie explores the circumstances that led up to the tragedy, such as the growing discomfort, resentment, and hostility from Brandon McInerney, an eighth-grade student who was enrolled in the same school district as King as he tries to explore his sexuality. McInerney was aggravated by King's effeminate behavior and his bold desire to express himself through feminine clothing and makeup.

The documentary portrays the tension-filled months and weeks leading up to King's tragic murder in school by McInerney, was shot twice in the head at point-blank range. Notably, King's death brought out harsh criticisms of the Oxnard School District and its administration's inability to deal appropriately with King's gender identity and the escalating tension between him and McInerney.

The film comprises of both court footage; a series of interviews featuring King's classmates, teachers, and broken family members seeking justice for their son, and the culminating trial of Brandon McInerney, who was then only 14 years at the time of the murder. The storytelling is such a skilful manner that it reflects King as something aside from simply a victim. His own inner journey is shown through present-day interviews conducted with King's friends, intimates, and acquaintances, who all share their tender, funny memories of their friend doing his best to navigate a hostile environment.

The director, Marta Cunningham, does an excellent job of laying out the legal arguments from both sides; McInerney's defense (which bases much of its strategy on the "gay panic" defense, which attempts to justify violence committed against a person because of their sexuality or gender identity) and the prosecution arguing that McInerney was the only one responsible for the shooting.

The movie overall raises tough questions about how we, as a society, deal with gender identity and sexual orientation, and what needs to be done to ensure a more equal, fair and inclusive society for everyone, irrespective of their sexual preferences. As one of King's teachers notes, "If he had been allowed to just be who he was, then he'd be alive today." This comment stands as a stark reminder that as a society, we must foster positive environments for exploration and self-expression.

Valentine Road effectively portrays the complex case of a young boy's death and the different factors that played a role in bringing him to such a tragic end. It equally highlights the failure of authorities and the educational system to address bullying and gender identity issues appropriately. This film is heart-wrenching, informative and thought-provoking all at once. It is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in exploring social justice issues and the struggle towards a fair and more equitable life for LGBTQ+ people.

Valentine Road is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.