Red and I live in a small city of around 50K in West Virginia, so when we want to see 99.9% of gay cinema we usually have to wait and buy it when it comes out on dvd. I'd read several reviews of Mysterious Skin the past several months and finally ordered it. We watched it last night.

I must first say that Brokeback Mountain is playing at our local cineplex and we have seen it. For so many reasons, I feel that it deserves every single laurel it is receiving this year (and then some). But let me say here...this film, Mysterious Skin...HOLY CRAP!

I can not remember the last time that I felt so affected by a film. These characters and this plot are absolutely riveting, disturbing, and touching. I was completely moved by the performances.

And while I am certain that most of us are sick of such negative 'Debbie Downer' gay-themed films. There were so many poignant moments in this one that deal with some very real (albeit ugly) realities.

The scene where Neil is tricking with the AIDS guy...what powerful stuff!

It is a shame that Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been so unjustly overlooked. His performance was amazing.

If you haven't seen this film, get it in your Netflix queue or order it from amazon.com! It's well worth it!