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Video Description
Charged with the electric crackle of first love, this sweet and sexy California romance is about a confused young artist torn between his family and his future. Fresh out of high school, Zach (Trevor Wright) gives up a full scholarship to spare his 5-year-old nephew from their dysfunctional family. Now restless and isolated, the gifted youth toils at a local diner. But everything changes when he finds himself drawn to thirtysomething Shaun (Brad Rowe, Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss), a confident young writer. As the two hit the surf and Shaun's mattress with equal enthusiasm, they fall into a secret relationship that may give Zach the courage he needs to follow his passions.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
89 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If 'Tan Lines' wasn't what you you hoped it would be, then 'Shelter' is definitely the film for you. The gay surfer movie that people have wanted to see since 'Point Break', it's a classic love story, in a sunny California setting.
Zach (Trevor Wright) is the 22 year old protagonist; he missed out on an art college scholarship, and is stuck working in a diner in a dead-end town. He spends his free time doing street art, surfing, and looking after his (stunning) 5 year old nephew, Cody. This family obligation has been foisted upon him by circumstances: his older sister, Cody's mother, has a string of self-destructive relationships and addictions. Though constrained by this obligation, Zach is like a father to Cody and puts that bond above his own aspirations.
Enter the man who will change Zach's life: Shaun (Brad Rowe) - the confidently gay, older brother of Zach's best friend. Shaun understands Zach in a way that no one else has done, seeing through his tough-guy front. The two men instantly connect, and spend time surfing and taking care of Cody. One drunken night leads to a kiss between them...internal conflict and raw emotions ensue, as Zach wrestles with his desires, while trying to accommodate his familial duties and the limitations of his own self-image.
If this plot-line sounds vaguely unoriginal, it is. All the expected story arcs are present, from the initial shock and brooding self-analysis, to the supportive ex-girlfriend. Added to which are the expected polemics: rich v. poor; urban concrete v. beach and waves; ties of family obligation v. the lure of romantic love. In fact, there is nothing unpredictable about 'Shelter'. Nonetheless, all this is easily forgiven - because the story just 'works' so beautifully. It has it all: a handsome cast (who fill out their wetsuits nicely), sparkling chemistry between the protagonists, moody sunsets, the glittering ocean, moments of humour, and base human desires; all underscored by a poignant soundtrack.
Even the hardened 'not-another-coming-out-movie' cynic will find 'Shelter' an emotive, heart-warming, tear-jerker. A life-affirming, classic love story, with excellent, authentic performances from the cast, 'Shelter' will undoubtedly be a instant hit.
[Amended 02/09/2008]
Zach (Trevor Wright) is the 22 year old protagonist; he missed out on an art college scholarship, and is stuck working in a diner in a dead-end town. He spends his free time doing street art, surfing, and looking after his (stunning) 5 year old nephew, Cody. This family obligation has been foisted upon him by circumstances: his older sister, Cody's mother, has a string of self-destructive relationships and addictions. Though constrained by this obligation, Zach is like a father to Cody and puts that bond above his own aspirations.
Enter the man who will change Zach's life: Shaun (Brad Rowe) - the confidently gay, older brother of Zach's best friend. Shaun understands Zach in a way that no one else has done, seeing through his tough-guy front. The two men instantly connect, and spend time surfing and taking care of Cody. One drunken night leads to a kiss between them...internal conflict and raw emotions ensue, as Zach wrestles with his desires, while trying to accommodate his familial duties and the limitations of his own self-image.
If this plot-line sounds vaguely unoriginal, it is. All the expected story arcs are present, from the initial shock and brooding self-analysis, to the supportive ex-girlfriend. Added to which are the expected polemics: rich v. poor; urban concrete v. beach and waves; ties of family obligation v. the lure of romantic love. In fact, there is nothing unpredictable about 'Shelter'. Nonetheless, all this is easily forgiven - because the story just 'works' so beautifully. It has it all: a handsome cast (who fill out their wetsuits nicely), sparkling chemistry between the protagonists, moody sunsets, the glittering ocean, moments of humour, and base human desires; all underscored by a poignant soundtrack.
Even the hardened 'not-another-coming-out-movie' cynic will find 'Shelter' an emotive, heart-warming, tear-jerker. A life-affirming, classic love story, with excellent, authentic performances from the cast, 'Shelter' will undoubtedly be a instant hit.
[Amended 02/09/2008]
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a lovely film, quiet and well-acted and although quite unsurprising in it's story it is hugely charming and some characters sweetly break away from the expected stereotypical responses.
36 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a great movie. It bypasses heart stopping action, mystery, murder and fantastical drama to spend its eighty four minutes building a simple and honest love story; and that's what it delivers. The story is generic; boy meets boy and consequently boy tries to come to terms with the ever complicating sexual feelings he is starting to discover are buried just beneath the surface, while fearful of the judgements of the people around him.
Of course it is a coming-out story that has been told a multitude of times, but Shelter has something more. The soundtrack is great and compliments the chilled out atmosphere of the film, the actors are convincing and create characters with depth, worthy of investing emotions in, and the setting is a cool, visually appealing mixture of surf and sand. There is also a constant underlying artistic presence which comes from the main character, Zach, a talented street artist. His work is visually beautiful and used effectively as a device to express the character's feelings throughout the journey.
So Zach is reacquainted with Shaun, his best friend's older brother and an acknowledged homosexual...ensue all the beauty and drama of Zach's self discovery. The addition of a child, Zach's nephew Cody, and his unfavourable circumstances, is that extra element that really adds to the emotion of the movie as we see how Zach, Shaun, Cody's mother and her impatient boyfriend react to the boy's presence. It subtly questions the pertinence of sexuality as a deciding factor in the suitability of a parental figure as it pits an example of a loving, homosexual relationship against an example of a dysfunctional heterosexual one, with the young child drifting between the two.
The wait to find out if Zach will escape his destructive home life to the safety of his blossoming romance is not exactly edge of the seat stuff, but the performances and the emotions they conjure in the viewer are enough to make you hope that he will. This movie is the homogenous love story it appears to be, but it is an extremely accomplished version, which is beautiful and grounded whilst still heartbreakingly sad and definitely a rewarding watch.
Of course it is a coming-out story that has been told a multitude of times, but Shelter has something more. The soundtrack is great and compliments the chilled out atmosphere of the film, the actors are convincing and create characters with depth, worthy of investing emotions in, and the setting is a cool, visually appealing mixture of surf and sand. There is also a constant underlying artistic presence which comes from the main character, Zach, a talented street artist. His work is visually beautiful and used effectively as a device to express the character's feelings throughout the journey.
So Zach is reacquainted with Shaun, his best friend's older brother and an acknowledged homosexual...ensue all the beauty and drama of Zach's self discovery. The addition of a child, Zach's nephew Cody, and his unfavourable circumstances, is that extra element that really adds to the emotion of the movie as we see how Zach, Shaun, Cody's mother and her impatient boyfriend react to the boy's presence. It subtly questions the pertinence of sexuality as a deciding factor in the suitability of a parental figure as it pits an example of a loving, homosexual relationship against an example of a dysfunctional heterosexual one, with the young child drifting between the two.
The wait to find out if Zach will escape his destructive home life to the safety of his blossoming romance is not exactly edge of the seat stuff, but the performances and the emotions they conjure in the viewer are enough to make you hope that he will. This movie is the homogenous love story it appears to be, but it is an extremely accomplished version, which is beautiful and grounded whilst still heartbreakingly sad and definitely a rewarding watch.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
a sequel????
I love this sweet little movie! No clichés..just a classic tale of boy meets boy & boy struggles with his sexuality! Read more
Published 1 month ago by pacman81
10 out of 10
Quite possibly my most favourite film of this genre. It is heartwarming and makes you realise that it is okay to be gay and in love
Published 2 months ago by Paul
Beautiful movie
SHELTER is the perfect example of how something extremely simple can also be extremely powerful.
This story feels real. It feels natural. Read more
This story feels real. It feels natural. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ines Neves
The most perfect film.
This film is perfect, a great example of coming out. Its set around two surfer boys, one gay and one straight and they end up both falling for each other, so cute. Read more
Published 3 months ago by jack
Beautiful story
A beatiful story about coming out, taking care of your loved ones and (for which i am glad) a happy end
Published 3 months ago by Leo Jansen
Outstanding
I originally bought this film as a spur of the moment sort of thing but it is by far one of the greatest films I have ever purchased and to be honest it is worth far more than... Read more
Published 4 months ago by DG UK
Nice, very nice
This is one of those films you shouldn't miss. The storyline is solid, the actors play their parts is a very endearing way. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Harry B
One of the best gay dramas
This movie is written, and acted very well. It is not one of your cookie cutter gay movies. It's a drama about a straight young man from the poor side of town , is stuck taking... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Frank Sorrentino
Beatiful, atmospheric movie
Slow paced, atmospheric and gently heart-warming. One of the best gay movies around, there may be some idealisation of the situation and the heroes just a bit too perfect but I... Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. Williams
Fabulous movie with an amazing cast & crew
Shelter is a fabulous movie with an amazing cast & crew. All the parts are well acted (commending all the actors on their performance, especially Trevor Wright), the story is... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Catherine Kay
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