Henry Gamble's Birthday Party

A swimming pool birthday party for teenage Henry (Cole Doman) turns into a crucible, where religious hypocrisy, homophobia, confessions, and sexual hysteria lead to the beginning of young adult autonomy in this well-acted and insightful drama from writer-director Stephen Cone. Palpable tensions float through Henry's suburban home as he awakens on his birthday. Hints of a stifling, fundamentalist Christian atmosphere set a tone that will be challenged during the ensuing hours when Henry's friends from school and church come over for a swim and celebration. Right away, the exposure of young bodies splashing doesn't sit well with a few of the more judgmental adults, although that is the least of the group's problems. Henry's parents, Bob (Pat Healy) and Kat (Elizabeth Laidlaw), are clearly in the middle of unspoken marital strife; his college-age sister (Nina Ganet) is in a major panic over her first sexual experience some months ago; a fed-up church elder (Francis Guinan) is drinking wine and starting to call things as he sees them; the suicidal son (Patrick Andrews) of Bob's late mentor is being ignored by the men who should be helping him; and a long-suffering gay boy (Daniel Kryi), who shares a mutual attraction with Henry, is unsure where he stands with everyone. Before the night is through, truths will be told. Cone finds fresh energy in a standard trope—a party that reveals all—while creating an array of unique characters on the cusp of major changes. Recommended. (T. Keogh)