Observer by Rex Reed

The details in every scene and the polish and precision of a perfect cast make Boy Erased one of the finest and most unforgettable films of the year.

Film Threat by Tiffany Tchobanian

Boy Erased is a poignant family drama that explores the importance of unconditional love and acceptance of oneself and each other. Edgerton solidifies his triple-threat status, artfully and intelligently crafting a film that resonates with viewers and facilitates much-needed conversation during these trying times.

The Hollywood Reporter by Stephen Farber

It deserves praise not as a polemic but as a richly humanistic, emotionally searing drama that sticks in the memory.

USA Today by Brian Truitt

The 21-year-old actor holds his own in the emotional project opposite a couple of heavyweights, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Just as deft in his work is writer/director/co-star Joel Edgerton, who's crafted a touching look at the darker sides of evangelical belief and parental judgment.

Chicago Sun-Times by Richard Roeper

A strong and steady drama from writer-director-actor Joel Edgerton, featuring yet another effective and authentic performance by Lucas Hedges as a teenager in crisis.

Consequence by Dominick Suzanne-Mayer

Boy Erased finds its best stuff when it matches the unabashed earnestness of Jared, and of Hedges’ performance. The film isn’t so much preaching to the converted as begging the ones who aren’t yet to finally come over and stand on the right side of history.

CineVue by Christopher Machell

The Oscar-nominated Hedges is, as one would expect, superb in the title role, but performances across the board are excellent.

L.A. Weekly by Alan Scherstuhl

When Jared finally erupts, Hedges nimbly navigates the character’s hurt, fear and burgeoning pride — his relief at having at last found his voice.

Time Out by Joshua Rothkopf

Gay conversion therapy gets the indictment it deserves, from an insightful script based on a you-are-there tell-all, and an outstanding cast.

Arizona Republic by Randy Cordova

More than simply a look at the conversion therapy, the film examines the bonds between parents and children.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Barry Hertz

Edgerton, who also plays the tightly wound chief of the conversion-therapy organization here, wrings devastating performances from his cast, including Lucas Hedges as Garrard, and Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman as his parents.

Vanity Fair by Richard Lawson

Joel Edgerton’s earnest, solidly made film will be most effective on, and maybe necessary for, those immediately suffering under the crush of anti-gay bigotry, and those perpetrating it.

IndieWire by David Ehrlich

While Edgerton’s fractured approach has a frustrating way of compartmentalizing his characters into their own subplots, making it hard for the movie to convey the full sweep of its emotional journey, Boy Erased regards everyone with such raw empathy that even its most difficult moments are fraught with the possibility of forgiveness.

Screen Daily by Tim Grierson

Several emotionally attuned performances help paper over Boy Erased’s storytelling weaknesses.

Variety by Peter Debruge

Edgerton shows an admirable sense of restraint, even when hitting all the usual beats. He includes moments of quiet introspection for the characters and the audience alike.

The Playlist by Gregory Ellwood

Boy Erased has problems depicting the fear, intimidation and psychological trauma such programs can inflict on even the most willing of participants. But that’s likely because, at its core, the film isn’t really about the gay conversion experience.

The Guardian by Benjamin Lee

It’s a curiously underwhelming, muted, often plodding two hours that fails to reach the emotional highs and devastating lows one would expect from the material.