‘Golden Delicious’ Review – A Subversive Coming-Of-Age And Coming Out Film [NewFest 2023]

Queer coming-of-age films are not only becoming more prevalent, but they’re also beginning to evolve. Many coming-of-age films with queer characters focus exclusively on the character working up the courage to come out or dealing with the aftermath of being forcefully outed. In some cases, they’re shunned by their friends and family and have to emotionally and mentally suffer until those they love come around, or they learn to live in their truth regardless of what those around them think.

Director Jason Karman and screenwriter Gorrman Lee utilize some of these formulaic beats for their film Golden Delicious but also manage to subvert the formula in subtle and unexpected ways. The film follows a high school senior, Jake (Cardi Wong), who has two problems when the film begins: he’s trapped in a long-term relationship with a girlfriend (Parmiss Sehat) who feels like more of a friend, and he’s trying out for the basketball team at the behest of his father (Ryan Mah). His troubles aside, Jake is content to roll along with everything with his two best friends, Sam (Hunter Dillon) and Gary (Zavien Garrett), by his side. The arrival of the outgoing, athletic, and openly gay Aleks (Chris Carson) changes everything. Jake can’t deny the growing attraction between the two of them and soon finds himself having to confront and live his truth.

Karman and Lee craft a charming, endearing story that carries the hopeful message that sometimes the biggest battle is the battle of self. Jake struggles with realizing he’s attracted to Aleks because it completely alters who he always believed to be. Better yet, it changes who he always thought he was. He and Aleks ultimately give in to their attraction, but it’s messy and leaves Jake’s girlfriend heartbroken and angry. Many films would side-step this, but Golden Delicious rightfully holds the character accountable for his actions. Sehat’s Valerie is mortified and angry that Jake would cheat instead of being honest. Aleks is wounded when he realizes that Jake would have let him be the proverbial mistress for as long as necessary. Again, the film rightfully holds the character accountable and doesn’t side-step the wake of the destruction he leaves behind for self-discovery.

Another way in which this film improves on its predecessors is that Jake’s friends and family are ultimately supportive of the revelation that he’s gay, but it’s Jake who has a hard time accepting himself. There are several moving scenes during which Jake’s straight friends leave messages begging him to return their calls. They love and take him just as he is and want to know he’s okay.

Wong does a pretty decent job of portraying Jake’s struggle, mental and emotional anguish, and uncertainty. He brings an endearing and charming quality to the role that makes you want to root for him and protect him at all costs. You’ll also want to knock him across the head when he makes dumb decisions or isolates himself from those who love him. Wong embodies the character well and does an excellent job of leading the film. Carson is another stand-out performer. He brings such genuine confidence and wisdom to Aleks that it’s impossible not to like the character.

Where the film loses some point is the attempt to include a subplot about Jake’s father having an affair and his inability to let his daughter follow her dreams. These were shoehorned in unfortunately instead of carefully being integrated into the plot of the film. This is unfortunate, and again, the film loses some points for the way it haphazardly includes these.

When it’s all said and done, Golden Delicious is a subversive, heartfelt, and enjoyable coming-of-age film that adds to the canon of queer films for young adults in a meaningful way.

Golden Delicious screened as part of NewFest 2023. It’s available to stream on the Sling app.