Shelter. Movie Review.

This movie was released in 2007 but I didn’t see it until 2021 when I was laying on the couch with a multi-fractured elbow and arm. I’m so glad I did. I liked it so much after renting it that I ended up buying it so I could watch it several more times.

I wish I didn’t have to say it was a gay themed movie — because that might stop some people from seeing it. Everyone should see this movie. Yes, the lovers are two men. It’s a summer romance (maybe more) but with all the elements of relationships of any gender with far less nudity (waist up) than you would find on primetime television right now.

Shelter is beautifully written with amazing dialogue that is so obviously written by a man, which is one of the best things about this movie (and there are so many good things). It’s short. It’s to the point with no extraneous explanations and dialogue. It shows, not tells.

You get all the emotional feels you want from a sweet romance, happy ending movie without unnecessary explanation. And the writing comes together due to the outstanding acting including the incredible acting from the little kid-Cody, who seems to know all his lines in one take and delivers them like he was an adult professional actor. What a cutie!

The surfing and sunset-on-the-ocean scenes are beautiful. The music will leave you in a puddle (several are still on one of my playlists) and brings the whole movie together and will probably make you cry.

And Zack’s mural is symbolic of his life, his frustration, and his trap with family obligations. Then he finds Shaun, a lover and friend to help him realize there is another future for him.

The title says everything, Shelter. At some point in our life, we need someone to believe, understand and give us shelter.

Loved it!