Review of Shelter (2007) by Adrian Y — 17 Apr 2011

Shelter (2007) is an amazing interpretation of a coming of age, coming out and standing for one's own life story. Gripping as you easily fall for Zach (Trevor Wright) as he goes through his life, he is lost afraid and alone, bending his life for his family.

He supports his sister Jeanne (Tina Holmes) and nephew Cody (Jackson Wurth) which prevents him from moving on with his life, his love for art and finding himself. An old friend Shaun (Brad Rowe) comes back to town and opens his eyes like never before.

A beautifully shot romance is played out. And Zack is put in a difficult situation, to choose between his family obligation or his own desires and a second chance at happiness. The films depictions of the difficulty around opening up to your world about who you are, finding yourself and understanding is paramount within the text.

This is not the average misfortunate gay coming out story, rather a heartfelt journey of the complications of life, which includes the discovery of homosexuality. It is a masterpiece of plot development and narrative with no overdramatic effects and scenarios, a simple story with depth of character and emotion.

There is no evidence to its low budget and it is a tribute to writer/director Jonah Markowitz, a remarkable debut. Lead actor Trevor Wright and supporting actor Brad Rowe have beautiful chemistry. They bring themselves to their respective roles with attentiveness and empathy, making a remarkable love story that much better.

If there is any fault to this film it is the lack of mainstream availability across the world.