Akron (2015) – A Journey of Love, Family, and Identity
Akron (2015) is an evocative, heart-wrenching, and beautifully crafted film that explores the complexities of love, identity, and family in a world that often feels divided. Directed by Brian O’Donnell, this film tells the poignant and deeply emotional story of Benny, Christopher, and Carlly, three characters whose lives and relationships intertwine in a way that challenges them to confront difficult truths about themselves, their families, and the very essence of who they are.
Set in the small town of Akron, Ohio, the story delves into the lives of Benny (played by a captivating Tommy Nelson), a college student who is just beginning to explore his identity as a young gay man, and his intense romantic relationship with Christopher (played by Zachary Ray Sherman), another student who is grappling with his own fears and insecurities. Their connection is immediate, tender, and undeniable, but it’s not without its obstacles. The beauty of Akron lies not only in the romance between Benny and Christopher but also in the exploration of the weight of family history, secrets, and the undeniable forces of fate that bring them together.
Plot Overview
The film opens with Benny and Christopher meeting in a seemingly casual way, though it’s clear from their first interaction that their bond goes beyond just physical attraction. As they navigate their budding relationship, their worlds are unexpectedly thrust together when Benny’s mother, Carlly (played by Mary Ann Thebus), uncovers a long-hidden family secret — one that forces both young men to confront the legacies of their families, their own emotional baggage, and their futures together.
Carlly, who has always been protective of her son Benny, finds herself struggling to accept the reality of her own family’s history. She is forced to reconcile with the deep pain of losing loved ones to prejudice, silence, and the struggles of identity. Benny’s growing relationship with Christopher forces her to rethink her own understanding of love and family, as she comes face-to-face with the very prejudices she thought she had left behind in her past.
At its heart, Akron is a love story, but it is also a meditation on loss, healing, and the tension between individual and collective history. Benny and Christopher’s relationship is put to the test, not just by external societal pressures, but by the difficult truths their families have kept hidden for generations. What emerges is a layered and heartfelt narrative about the healing power of love, the importance of self-acceptance, and the way the past shapes our present.
Themes: Identity, Family, and Forgiveness
What makes Akron so compelling is its layered approach to storytelling. The film doesn’t just focus on Benny and Christopher’s love story; it also explores the ways in which family dynamics, history, and identity shape the paths of these two young men. The film’s central theme revolves around identity, both personal and familial. Benny and Christopher are not only grappling with their own understanding of their place in the world as young men of color and gay men but also with the emotional legacies of their families.
Carlly’s journey is just as significant, and the way she evolves throughout the film is a testament to the complexity of familial love and forgiveness. The weight of old wounds and the difficulty of confronting painful truths about the past give this film a profound emotional depth. It’s a story of reconciliation, not only between two people but also between generations. Carlly’s acceptance of Christopher as a part of Benny’s life becomes a powerful symbol of healing and the breaking of generational cycles of silence and denial.
Visual and Cinematic Style
Visually, Akron is both intimate and expansive. The cinematography reflects the emotional journey of the characters — soft, muted tones in the quiet moments of introspection and vibrant hues during the more passionate and romantic sequences. The camera work feels personal, almost voyeuristic at times, allowing the viewer to step into the intimate spaces of these characters’ lives. There is a rawness in the way the story is framed — close-up shots, lingering glances, and moments of stillness that speak louder than words.
The quiet pacing of the film allows the viewer to sink into the emotions of the characters without feeling rushed. This deliberate pace is key to understanding the gravity of Benny and Christopher’s relationship and Carlly’s journey. It creates an atmosphere where every conversation, every glance, and every moment of silence carries significant weight.
The use of Akron itself as a backdrop — a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, yet secrets run deep — becomes a character in its own right. The town is both a place of familiarity and constriction, symbolizing the internal struggle the characters face.
Performances
The performances in Akron are standout, particularly the portrayal of Benny by Tommy Nelson and Christopher by Zachary Ray Sherman. Both actors embody their characters with honesty, vulnerability, and depth. Their chemistry is palpable, and the way they navigate the complexities of love, vulnerability, and fear is both authentic and moving.
Mary Ann Thebus’s portrayal of Carllly is equally compelling. Her portrayal of a mother who loves her son fiercely but is also deeply entrenched in her own past is heartbreaking and nuanced. The emotional journey she undergoes is one of the most powerful arcs in the film. Her evolving relationship with Benny and Christopher, filled with both resistance and acceptance, is the emotional backbone of the story.
Emotional Impact and Final Thoughts
Akron is a film that doesn’t just tell a love story — it captures the emotional intricacies of family, forgiveness, and self-identity. It is a film that acknowledges the power of history, the scars it leaves, and the potential for healing and growth. The film asks deep questions about the limits of love and the ways in which it must sometimes be redefined for individuals and families alike.
By the time the film draws to a close, you realize that what you’ve watched is not just a romance between two men but a poignant meditation on love’s ability to transcend boundaries — familial, cultural, and personal. Benny and Christopher’s love is a beacon of hope, an affirmation that despite the barriers we face, love can find its way into even the darkest corners of our lives.
Rating: 9.5/10
Akron is an emotional, deeply human film that will leave an indelible mark on your heart. It’s a love story for the ages, but more importantly, it’s a story of self-discovery, family healing, and the quiet strength of love in all its forms.
