Watch Taking My Parents to Burning Man

Taking My Parents to Burning Man is a 2014 documentary-style movie, directed by Joel Ashton McCarthy, that explores the journey of a middle-aged couple from rural Wisconsin, who are taken to the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock desert, Nevada, by their son. The movie follows Bryant H. Boesen, his father Charles, and his mother Lilice, as they make their way to Burning Man to experience the counterculture, art, and utopian community of the festival. The family, however, is not familiar with the tenets of the event, which include a sense of self-reliance, resourcefulness, radical self-expression, and inclusivity. So, they embark on a journey that is ripe with challenges, emotional revelations, and growth.

From the beginning, the audience is introduced to the Boesen family, who all have their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Charles and Lilice, who are devout Catholics, express apprehension about attending such an unconventional event. Bryant, the son, is an artist and former Burning Man attendee, who sees the festival as a transformative experience for his family. As they journey together, they are met with many challenges such as adapting to the harsh desert environment, finding a suitable campsite, and navigating social interactions with other festival-goers.

Despite the challenges, the family members are able to overcome their differences and grow as individuals. Charles and Lilice, who are initially hesitant about the experience, begin to appreciate the art and unique community at the festival. They even participate in some events, such as helping prepare meals for their neighbors in the campsite. Bryant, who hopes to connect with his family in a new way, learns a lot about his parents and sees them in a new light, ultimately deepening their familial bond.

The movie captures some of the most iconic aspects of the festival, including beautiful art installations, performers, and intense fires burning across the desert landscape. Meanwhile, the dynamics between the family create an emotional journey that keeps the audience interested throughout. As the movie comes to a close, viewers are left with the sense that the family members have all experienced personal transformation and a newfound appreciation for each other.

Taking My Parents to Burning Man is a beautiful and heartwarming film that not only explores the Burning Man festival, but also the transformative power of shared human experiences. It provides a unique insight into the mindsets of people who are unfamiliar with this type of event, which may help others who are considering attending. Overall, it is a thought-provoking, well-crafted, and highly enjoyable movie that explores themes of family, growth, and community.

Taking My Parents to Burning Man is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.