Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party
“A coming out story for the ages.” -David Ehrlich, Time Out New York
An exquisite coming-of-age movie with a perfect cast, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party unfolds over the course of one very eventful day in the life of 17-year-old preacher’s kid Henry (played by newcomer Cole Doman in a tremendous performance).
At Henry’s afternoon birthday pool party the guests include an assortment of grown-ups from the family church, as well as Henry’s secular and religious teen friends — including the closeted young Logan, who clearly has eyes for Henry. As Henry treads through various sexual possibilities, seeking to come into his own, so too do the adults and teenagers of the party, all struggling to navigate the public and private, and their longing, despite themselves and their faith, for earthly love.
Written and directed by Stephen Cone (The Wise Kids), the film’s talented ensemble cast includes: Cole Doman, Joe Keery (Stranger Things), Elizabeth Laidlaw, Pat Healy, Nina Ganet, Daniel Kyri, Tyler Ross and Jack Ball.
Check out Stephen’s other Wolfe title: The Wise Kids!
Awards & Press Quotes
WINNER
Q Hugo Award, Silver Plaque
Chicago International Film Festival
WINNER
Best Feature
Shout Film Festival, Birmingham AL
WINNER
Best Feature
Shout Film Festival, Birmingham AL
“3 ½ STARS – A rambunctious, often hilarious, and carefully-constructed story about a teenage boy starting to question his sexuality in the midst of his Evangelical Christian world.” – RogerEbert.com
“Must-See” – Out.com
“Graceful, expressive … Such nuanced filmmaking demonstrates a lack of condescension or sanctimony that’s rare in contemporary cinema’s treatment of Christianity.” – Chicago Reader
“A coming out story for the ages.” -David Ehrlich, Time Out New York
“Miraculous.” -Indiewire
“Thoughtful . . . touching climactic scene.” – Hollywood Reporter
“An intelligent script – these kids may exhibit the trappings of religion, even of the fundamental variety, but they are really like other teens.” – Filmmaker Magazine
“A sweet, emotionally affecting film” – Film Journal
“A beautifully rendered, impeccably scored experience that makes a profound, heady impact.” – Filmmaker Magazine
