The Wise Kids

An award-winning favorite on the LGBT film festival circuit, writer-director Stephen Cone's warm, intelligent drama set in Charleston, SC, focuses on three teenage best friends—Tim (Tyler Ross), Brea (Molly Kunz), and Laura (Allison Torem)—who have just graduated from high school. All three belong to the same Baptist church, but only Laura seems to fully embrace religion. Brea is the pastor's daughter, but she is having a crisis of faith, while Tim is flummoxed about coming to terms with being gay. Cone wisely dials down the potential dramatic decibel level to allow the multiple stories to unfold in a quiet and sensitive manner that is both moving and surprising. As a result, the thorny issues of coming out, coming-of-age, and coming to terms with one's religious principles are blended into a subtle narrative that is both mature and laced with gentle humor. The three young actors at the story's core serve up marvelous performances—especially Torem, who takes what could have been a shrill stereotypical role and offers a thoughtful exploration of a religion-driven young person trying to cope with her friend's homosexuality. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)