Described as an ode to his younger self, writer and filmmaker Benjamin Howard’s independent feature “Riley” opens in on the titular character (Jake Holley), closeted high schooler and football prodigy Dakota Riley. He meets with a stranger who’s much older than him for a sexual favour, all in the hopes that it might allow him to instantly acknowledge his sexual orientation… which up until then he’d viewed as unnatural and a ‘set-back.’ It didn’t fit in with his high aspirations of following in the footsteps of his dad, an ex pro footballer who played for the big leagues.
However, this hookup leads to Riley also reflecting upon his struggles for self-acceptance and gratification. He simultaneously lets go of built-up guilt and his own thinly-veiled homophobic tendencies that crop up as a result of a friends circle mainly dominated by jocks who live in a bubble of machismo. When the heteronormative façade he is forced to adopt threatens to spill into his physically intimate relationship with his female classmate Skylar, Riley reaches a crossroads. He realizes that he must make the final choice between keeping his truth under wraps or fully embracing and living it on his own terms.
A Film that Excels at its Issues
“Riley” excels at tackling multiple issues that plague the protagonist both on and off the field. We see instilled beliefs on what constitutes manliness as he is forced to pull his weight literally at the gym and compete with his more ruggedly built peers despite his stunted physical growth. This ideal is further propagated by older men like Riley’s dad—who doubles as his coach—and who partakes in micro-aggressions towards his own son, resulting in a stunted emotional growth too. The insecurities that stem from this also prove worrisome to his popularity. Furthermore, they feed into the young man’s already unstable and indecisive nature regarding his goals and football career, a trait that parallels his fears and indecisiveness over proudly embracing his sexuality,
Another facet that works in favour of “Riley” is the screen-time devoted to endearing supporting characters such as the frank Francophile with gumption, Liam (Connor Storrie). He pairs up with Riley for a French class assignment and is well aware of—as well as rather empathetic towards—his project partner’s hesitance in coming out. As someone who is upfront and unapologetic about his sexuality, Liam is also unafraid of putting his foot down to the bullying and homophobia that he endures from Riley’s clique on a regular basis, even calling out Riley for his compliance in the same. One such scene featuring him publicly confronting one of his bullies also eerily mirrors the recent hate crime at an Oklahoma school wherein an openly non-binary teen Nex Benedict lost their life due to an altercation with their bullies.
A World Apart from Stereotypes
This aforementioned scene—and others—highlight the need to break the cycle of bullying and holding homophobes accountable for their actions, rather than condemning the victim as the instigator. Liam also later plays a pivotal role in breaking Riley out of his cocooned existence and harmful environment. It’s in this environment where men can’t cry lest they be expelled from the football team, and where hazing is normalized and female classmates are considered trophies. Liam introduces Riley to a world apart from his own. Here, Riley is perceived as an individual rather than just another ‘athletic prospect’ to be added to the college roster. He sees men free to dance and indulge in activities considered feminine, such as baking sessions. As a result of Liam’s influence, Riley also begins to understand the spectrum of sexuality and orientation in a broader, more mature fashion.
The movie also spotlights how the process of coming out can be easy for some, yet arduous for many others like Riley, who are by-products of generational trauma constrained by conservative upbringing. It also touches upon breach of consent as Riley comes of age, and is direct in its examination of the hypocrisy and irony within the ‘socially acceptable’ heteronormative society. The latter is addressed via imagery of an American flag and bisexual lighting in concert at a frat party, Riley’s dad cooking for the family and doing dishes, as well as showing a penchant for following family recipes. This is a polar opposite from his otherwise default persona of the hardened coach demanding his players ooze masculinity. We also see Liam’s cheeky jabs at the homoerotic chemistry between the alpha male athletes on the football field/in the locker room.
The Purest Live Lived in Truth
The cast of this layered indie also brims with confidence and a sincerity in bringing the fleshed-out aspects of their respective characters to life. Lead actor Jake Holley emotes well in scenes where Riley oscillates between feeling flustered due to unresolved sexual desires and for simply being who he is, and co-star Riley Quinn Scott as Skylar evokes likability with her character arc and acting as well. Connor Storrie is yet another revelation with his disarmingly charming screen presence. He turns in a performance that’s nothing short of memorable as Liam, a character who ended up being my personal favourite.
Ultimately, the message behind this contemplative coming-of-age film boils down to just one simple, corny, yet wise kernel of wisdom passed down by Skylar’s sage-like grandmother, which she then passes on to Riley. It resonates long after its credits roll: “The fullest life in purest heart is lived in truth…thus set apart.”
“Riley” screens at BFI Flare on March 16-17th. Click here to access ticket options.
