Joe Bell (2020)

Joe Bell is the father of Jadin who is gay. The movie tells the story of a man who is far from perfect, but comes to believe in the message of tolerance for those who are “different.” He gains notoriety on Facebook and decides to walk from La Grande, Oregon to New York City to deliver his message.

Half the film consists of flashbacks to La Grande, some of them centering on Joe and family; others on Jadin and his classmates at school where a clique of jocks seem to have made it their mission to make life hell for “the queer.” Early on, when Jadin talks with his father about the bruises he has received and Joe simply responds that he has to stand up to the bullies and they will stop, the boy has to come out of the closet to explain why they will not quit. Joe does not reject his son, but his response is not very supportive either.

There will be times when the quick-tempered father seems more concerned with their standing in the community, such as when he spots Jadin and a girl member of the cheerleading team practicing in their front yard and he demands that they go to the rear of the house. One night, as they are sitting in the bleachers watching the school’s football team, the cheerleaders, Jadin among them, come out for a routine, and the crowd jeers Jadin. The embarrassed Joe and his wife quietly leave.

This is a good film for groups to watch and discuss the issue of relating to a gay family member. The film is powerful in its depiction of a man coming to grips with his flaws, even after he has decided to atone for his past by setting out on the walk across America. Jadin questions and challenges his father. His wife, Lola, hits home when she questions his motives for the walk, suggesting that despite his Facebook fame and subsequent news coverage he has not changed his quick-tempered nature. Joe is depicted as very much a work in progress.

Which raises the question, “Aren’t we all?” Especially when it comes to the matter of so-called “straight” people’s attitude toward, and relationship, with a gay person.

Ed McNulty has a recommendation. “I was glad that I began watching the film with no knowledge of the real Joe and Jadin Bell, and I advise you not to read about its making until after you watch it.”