Dream Boy *** (2008, Stephan Bender, Max Roeg, Thomas Jay Ryan, Diana Scarwid, Tom Gilroy, Randy Wayne, Owen Beckman, Rooney Mara, Rickie Lee Jones, Nick Ericson) – Classic Movie Review 14,006

James Bolton’s 2008 powerful romantic drama film Dream Boy chronicles the relationship between gay teenagers Nathan (Stephan Bender) and his neighbour Roy (Max Roeg). in the late 1970s in the rural US South.

Writer/ co-producer/ director James Bolton’s 2008 powerful yet sensitive coming-of-age romantic drama film Dream Boy chronicles the relationship between two gay teenagers in the late 1970s in the US rural South.

It is the story of shy, brainy Nathan (Stephan Bender), a young teenager who tries to flourish in a romantic relationship with his neighbour Roy (Max Roeg) in god-fearing St Francisville, Louisiana.

The confident, year older Roy drives the bus to Nathan’s school, and their friendship blooms into a relationship. But they will have to face the brutal reality of the time and the place, and that’s not good.

It is extremely well acted, especially in the convincing, involving performances by Stephan Bender and Max Roeg. is beautifully shot by director of photography Sarah Levy, and is firmly directed by a confident, talented James Bolton. The story, pacing and dramatic arc may wobble a little, but not too much, and overall it stays firmly and freshly on its strongly expressed serious intent and its troubled romantic course.

James Bolton’s screenplay is based on the novel Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley.

Maximillian Roeg (Max Roeg) was born on October 21, 1985 in London, the son of Nicolas Roeg and Theresa Russell.

Stephan Bender played young, 15-year-old Clark Kent in the 2006 film  Superman Returns.

Cast: Stephan Bender, Max Roeg, Thomas Jay Ryan, Diana Scarwid, Tom Gilroy, Randy Wayne, Owen Beckman, Rooney Mara, Rickie Lee Jones, Nick Ericson.

It is the feature film debut of Rooney Mara (billed as Tricia Mara), as Evelyn.

It is Owen Beckman’s feature film debut, as Randy.

Runtime: 88 minutes.

It is rated R for sexual content, and some violence, including a gay rape, involving teens.

© Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 14,006

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com