Watch Henry Gamble's Birthday Party

Henry Gamble's Birthday Party is a coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Stephen Cone. The movie revolves around the titular character, Henry Gamble, and his family and friends who are gathered at his home to celebrate his 17th birthday. The film opens with a shot of Henry (Cole Doman), lying in bed next to his best friend Gabe (Joe Keery), who is also his secret crush. As Henry wakes up, he tries to sneak out of bed without waking Gabe, but a sudden noise startles Gabe, and they both laugh in relief. This brief moment sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which explores the complex and often confusing emotions of adolescence, love, and sexuality.

Henry's parents, Bob (Pat Healy) and Kat (Elizabeth Laidlaw), are deeply religious and are hosting the party to help Henry reconnect with his faith. As guests start to arrive, we meet various characters that are all connected to Henry's life in different ways. His close-knit group of friends includes his best friend Gabe, his ex-girlfriend Eliza (Annie Quigley), and his new flame, Logan (Daniel Kyri). We also meet his sister Autumn (Nina Ganet), who is struggling with her own issues, and her boyfriend Drew (Tyler Ross), who is struggling to come out to his conservative family.

As the party progresses, we see tensions rise and fall between the different characters. Secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and newfound love is explored. Henry, who is struggling with his own identity, is forced to confront his feelings for Gabe and the religious expectations placed upon him by his parents. He also has to navigate the casual racism and homophobia that some of his friends and family members exhibit.

What makes Henry Gamble's Birthday Party so compelling is its raw and authentic portrayal of teenage life. The film never shies away from difficult topics or emotions, but it also finds moments of beauty and joy in unexpected places. For instance, a scene where Henry and Gabe dance to David Bowie's "Let's Dance" is both hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing the deep friendship and affection between the two boys.

The performances in the movie are excellent, with Cole Doman capturing the conflicting emotions and vulnerabilities of Henry with great nuance. Joe Keery is also fantastic as Gabe, bringing a sense of humor and charm to the role. Elizabeth Laidlaw and Pat Healy are convincing as Henry's well-meaning but flawed parents, and the rest of the supporting cast shines as well.

Stephen Cone's direction is understated yet effective, focusing on the characters and their interactions rather than flashy visuals or gimmicks. The movie is shot mostly in natural light, giving it a realistic and intimate feel. The pacing is slow but deliberate, allowing the story and characters to unfold at a natural pace.

In conclusion, Henry Gamble's Birthday Party is a rare gem of a movie that captures the complexities and contradictions of adolescence with great sensitivity and honesty. It is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and love that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. Highly recommended.

Henry Gamble's Birthday Party is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 59.