Alaina Riojas

I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to reviewing movies by any means, but I really enjoyed this movie. The acting is great, I don't think there was a second of the movie I wasn't completely invested in the movie. Or perhaps a better way to word it is: at times I forgot I was even watching a movie. That being said, "Your Name Engraved Herein" truly shows the troubles of young boys growing up in a homophobic environment while struggling with their own sexuality, especially as young men. However, I felt the ending of the movie was a bit rushed an unsatisfying. Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying the ending ruins the rest of the movie, but it just isn't a satisfying ending to me, personally. [SPOILERS STARTING NOW] The two boys finally have this breakthrough moment alone together, and I was hoping that perhaps this means they can finally accept each other and themselves. But, it all comes crashing down with the simple words "I never saw him again." It felt lazy, to just have that narration. Now, they do reunite later, which makes for a happier ending, but it still left a bitter taste, as Birdy still seemingly hasn't accepted himself in his older age. I feel like this is a common occurrence in movies with LGBTQ+ themes, the lack of a storybook ending. And I completely understand why, but also sometimes, I just want to watch a movie with a simple ending that will make me happy, you know?