Trevor

By: Scott Cranin
In-House Review - Dec 15 2011

Trevor is an endearing tale of a 13-year-old boy who is entering the phase of adolescence where his sexuality begins to come to the forefront. And in Trevor's case, it's his emerging gay sexuality. It "begins" with lip-syncing Diana Ross songs, continues with his increasing attraction to pictures of men and explodes with his first love: to Pinky, the most popular boy in town. But when his affections becomes known to his classmates, it takes courage and resiliency to confront them as well as to begin to accept the truth. A wonderful coming-out and coming-of-age tale that is sure to enthrall.

By: Amos Lassen

"Trevor" is a jewel of a film. It is a beautiful 17 minute short film that leaves you wanting more.
Trevor is a young boy being raised by parents who have no clue that he might be gay. We, however, see it right away. He is a wonderful boy who loves Diana Ross and Broadway show music. He is a high school in America of the 1970's and his life is centered on listening to records, hanging out with his friends and going to the movies. He doesn't like girls for social outings and pays careful attention to the boys in his class. People begin to make fun of him and Trevor, himself, begins to realize that he is gay. His friends do not want him around, his parents ignore him and his best friend Pinky tells him that he is a weak person. Trevor decides to kill himself but suddenly help comes in an unexpected form.
Trevor is resilient and it is his inner strength that makes this movie so good. The subject of sexuality and youth is treated sympathetically, probably because this is an issue that any thinking person will find disturbing. Here is a film that should be shown in high schools as it so beautifully looks at someone who is totally alone and is willing to kill himself because he feels so disconnected from everyone else and from life in general.
Young people will be able to identify with Trevor and the movie rakes a sensitive if blunt look at suicide. Even with its serious nature, "Trevor" entertains and has humor.
Even with its brevity, it is extremely well done Keeping in mind that it was made in 1994 and won the Academy Award, it is easy to see why and to understand its relevance today.