"Ranchlands" is an LGBTQ drama about an urbane, yet lost gay man who returns to his estranged Christian family to care for his ailing brother - and finds romance with a queer ranch hand. But a family secret complicates his journey of healing.
Ranchlands (2019) Movie Review: A Deeply Personal LGBTQ Drama
You know, when I watched Ranchlands (2019), it felt deeply personal. Directed and written by David Lewis, this movie tackles themes like family issues, identity struggles, reconciliation, and finding love when you least expect it. Yeah, the IMDb rating is just 5.3/10, but honestly, ratings don’t always do justice to films that hit you right in the feels like this one.
The story is about Garrett (played brilliantly by Ben Whalen), a guy carrying a lot of emotional scars. He comes home because his brother Tyler (Nick Molari) is dealing with brain cancer, and this forced reunion sets off a bunch of emotional fireworks. Garrett’s gay, and reconnecting with his conservative Christian family is far from smooth sailing. Throw in some romance with Noah (Zachary Beck), a ranch hand who happens to be queer as well, and things get complicated quickly.
What Really Worked
The strongest point of Ranchlands is definitely its sincerity. The struggles Garrett faces aren’t glossed over; they’re real, raw, and something a lot of people can probably relate to. Ben Whalen really nailed his role—you believe his pain and frustration. And the dynamic with his mother Deborah (Kim Marie Cooper) is especially tense and gripping.
Plus, the cinematography is pretty striking—rural America never looked so beautifully tough. It reflects Garrett’s inner turmoil really well. Supporting characters like Tyler and Noah also shine, adding extra layers that make the story richer and deeper.
What Could’ve Been Better
Sure, the movie does tread some familiar ground, especially for LGBTQ dramas. It uses tropes we’ve seen before, and if you’re used to watching similar films, parts of it might feel predictable. But even though the themes aren’t groundbreaking, they still matter today, which is probably why they resonate.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Ranchlands is worth your time because it delivers emotional honesty. It doesn’t shy away from tough conversations about acceptance—both from family and yourself. While it might not revolutionize the genre, it certainly leaves an impact. At its core, it’s about confronting the past to heal, and honestly, who can’t relate to that?
