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The Representation Of Queer Teens In 'The Lost Boys'

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Breaking Boundaries: The Representation of Queer Teens in “The Lost Boys” (1987)

By: Sophia Roome

Abstract: This review explores the representation of queer identity in the 1987 horror film "The Lost Boys" directed by Joel Schumacher, by examining the portrayal of queer vampires and their relationships with the main characters.

Annotation:

When someone thinks of "The Lost Boys," they might initially think of Peter Pan and fairy tales. However, Joel Schumacher's 1987 film has very little to do with fairies and pirates, and much more to do with queer vampires. The film has become considered a cult classic in the horror genre since its release. The story follows a mother and …show more content…

David uses his androgynous, charismatic, and mysterious aura to seduce his victims and Michael is his most recent prey. Michael's younger brother, Sam, resists the vampires and teams up with a group of young vampire hunters friends to try and rid the town and his family of the vampire threat. As Michael becomes more entangled with the vampire gang, he slowly realizes that he must make a choice between embracing his new life as a vampire and joining the group or fighting against them to try and save his …show more content…

(2022, July 28). "The Lost Boys" Through a Dracula lens highlights the film's queer subtext on its 35th anniversary. Black Girl Nerds. https://blackgirlnerds.com/the-lost- boys-through-a-dracula-lens-highlights-the-films-queer-subtext-on-its-35th-anniversary/

Holub, C. (2017, July 31). 7 things in 'The Lost Boys' you notice only as an adult. The List. https://www.thelist.com/94950/things-lost-boys-notice-adult/

Lockett, D. (2017, August 11). Blood lust: Adolescent sexuality and personal conflict in “The Lost Boys” (1987). Talk Film Society. https://talkfilmsociety.com/columns/blood-lust- adolescent-sexuality-and-personal-conflict-in-the-lost-boys-1987

Henderson, E. (2022, November 4). "Lost Boys" star calls movie "freaking obvious" gay metaphor & homoerotic scenes prove it. Queerty. https://www.queerty.com/lost-boys- star-calls-movie-freaking-obvious-gay-metaphor-homoerotic-scenes-prove-20221104

Kaiser, V. (2019, July 13). Boys beware of vampire punks: Queerness in “The Lost Boys”. The Cutprice Guignol. https://vraikaiser.com/2019/07/13/boys-beware-of-vampire-punks- queerness-in-the-lost-boys/

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