The Boy with the Sun in his Eyes

The Boy with the Sun in his Eyes is a 2009 independent drama film directed by Todd Verow. It tells the story of John (played by Tim Swain), a gay hustler from New York who travels to Los Angeles to visit an old friend named Jamie (Mahogany Reynolds). Upon his arrival, John finds out that Jamie has died and decides to find out what happened to him.

The film opens with John hitchhiking on a desert road, carrying a bag of luggage and a bouquet of flowers. He is picked up by a mysterious man in a vintage convertible, who drops him off at Jamie's apartment. There, John meets a group of people who knew Jamie, including his ex-girlfriend (played by Josh Ubaldi) and a drag queen named Sally (played by Valerie Spencer).

As John starts to investigate Jamie's death, he becomes more and more immersed in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. He meets a wealthy businessman who offers him money in exchange for sex, and he gets involved with Sally's drug dealer. Meanwhile, he is haunted by memories of his past and struggles to come to terms with his own sexuality.

The Boy with the Sun in his Eyes is a visually stunning film, with striking cinematography that captures the beauty and grit of Los Angeles. The soundtrack features a mix of indie rock and electronic music, adding to the film's dreamlike quality.

At its core, the film is a meditation on love, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. John's journey to uncover the truth about Jamie's death ultimately leads him to a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.

The performances in the film are all strong, with Tim Swain delivering a particularly nuanced portrayal of John. Mahogany Reynolds shines in her brief but memorable role as the enigmatic Jamie, and Valerie Spencer steals every scene she is in as the fierce and hilarious Sally.

Overall, The Boy with the Sun in his Eyes is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. It is a must-see for fans of independent cinema and anyone who appreciates a good character study.