National Anthem plunks a New Mexico day laborer into a world he never knew existed when he gets a job on a ranch run by a large group of queer rodeo riders.
In National Anthem we meet Dylan (Charlie Plummer) who lives in a tiny house in rural New Mexico with his mom (Robyn Lively) and his younger brother Cassidy (Joey DeLeon). Dylan is the one who takes care of everything and feeds his brother while his mom goes out at night. Even together, Dylan and mom don’t earn enough to pay the bills. Dylan has dreams of getting an RV and hitting the road.
Dylan is standing in a group of day laborers hoping for work when Pepe (Rene Rosado) drives up. He needs help on his ranch, but it’s a long ride and anyone who goes with him will have to get their own ride home. Dylan goes.
As they are driving into the ranch, called House of Splendor, Dylan spots women on horseback. They are wearing what look like prom dresses. Dylan makes eye contact with Sky (Eve Lindley) and falls in love with her right then and there.
Dylan checks out everyone on the ranch. There are trans people, burly gay men kissing, lots of touching and loving among the people who live there and everyone is absolutely, outstandingly queer. They are friendly, welcoming, and kind. Dylan loves it.
Pepe sets the men to digging fence posts and hauling hay into the barn. Dylan works with one eye on Sky. And he goes back again the next day.
Sky invites him to a rodeo. She wins money barrel racing. There are bull rides and all the normal rodeo events. These rodeos are in remote locations entirely for a queer community. After the rodeo there’s a drag show. Carrie (Mason Alexander Park) befriends Dylan. She dresses him up in drag. Carrie is a friend and advisor in many other ways.

By now, Dylan is spending time alone with Sky. He has a threesome with Sky and Pepe. Sky explains she and Pepe are open, and she’s just having fun with Dylan. Pepe is her partner. This breaks Dylan’s heart but he’s going to get whatever he can from this amazing experience he’s having.

Dylan takes his mom and brother to a rodeo, where a man in drag sings a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. When young Cassidy asked Carrie whether they were a man or a woman, Carrie answered, “Neither.”
The beautiful thing about this film to me is how peaceful and happy this community of found family is. They live a Western lifestyle, but in their own way. The film didn’t bother with labels. Everyone knew each other and loved each other. They were safe together and free to live as they wanted. Group sex was not out of the question.
Even though he’d never win Sky, meeting this group of people was an eye opening and positive experience for Dylan. It should be the same for the audience watching the film who may be exposed to a world like this for the first time, too.
Luke Gilford directed this beautiful film full of warmth and love. It has some sad moments, too. It’s currently steaming on Hulu. If you watch it I’d love to hear your thoughts. The comments are open.
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