Film Review: ‘4th Man Out’ Puts a Contemporary Spin on Orientation

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CHICAGO – Undoubtedly, one of the most poignant days of a gay person’s life is when they “come out” to family and friends. “4th Man Out” explores these moments, within the non-judgmental standards of the millennial generation. It’s only life, after all.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The beauty of the story lies in a couple of plot elements – the “4th Man” is part of a group of lifelong male friends who grew up together and are all “brothers from other mothers,’ plus it’s set in small town America. This allows for a little transitional awkwardness, but also provides some high level humor and authentic love to shine. This is a lower budget independent film, and has some of the surface indications of that status, but the filmmakers do more with less just by creating some deep and abiding characters.

Chris (Parker Young), Nick (Chord Overstreet), Ortu (Jon Gabrus) and Adam (Evan Todd) are four lifelong friends who also reside as 25 year-old adults in the small town they grew up in. They are as brothers, and constantly are either partying together or just hanging out. Adam has been hiding the fact that he is gay, and decides to start the process of coming out with his friends. Their reaction is supportive, with some minor transitional quirks.

The problem is twofold – Chris and Adam’s relationship, as close as any blood relations, begins to unravel, plus Adam is dreading coming out to his family. The rest of the story focuses on those two issues, and seeks resolutions through trial error and hilarity. As Clarence the Angel once said, “no man is a failure who has friends.” And in this case, they’re all providing wings for Adam.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “4th Man Out”

Adam (Evan Todd) is the Man of ‘4th Man Out’
Photo credit: Gravitas Ventures

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “4th Man Out”