Beach Rats is making waves at various film festivals in its portrayal of navigating blossoming sexuality. The story follows a troubled teenager trying to escape his home life. In the trailer we see his mom badgering him with questions. He’s been staying out until sunrise, and she wants to know why.
Well, when he isn’t hanging with his friends – a bunch of straight bros, smoking and constantly wandering Coney Island – or spending time with who could be his new girlfriend, he’s meeting older guys online and at local cruising spots. The movie has been described as both dark and sexy. The trailer shows why.
First, we need to talk about the lead. Harris Dickinson has made the move from modelling to acting, and we’re sure glad he did. This movie is full of shots of him in tank tops, wearing no shirt, and almost losing his bathing suit.
Mixed in with these steamy shots are more tender moments of intimacy with older guys, providing a deep portrayal of a young man navigating adult sexuality.
In fact, even some of the sexier scenes have a dark undertone. Just look at this frame from Dickinson’s character’s shirtless selfie photoshoot. It’s dark, it’s moody, and we are 100% here for it.
Beach Rats comes out on August 25th. Watch the trailer down below: