'Boots' Netflix Review: Gay Marine Show Is A Testament To The Individualism Of Masculinity

Greg Cope White’s memoir is given an adaptation for the small screen through Netflix’s new TV show Boots. The show tells the story of Cameron Cope, a teenager who also happens to be a closeted gay boy, looking for something to push him to grow up. I mean, that’s the simplest way to put it. When Cam hears that his best friend Ray is going to join the Marine Corps, he only hears the words “summer camp” and agrees to join him. It’s clear Ray’s skeptical about Cam’s decisions, but how hard can it be in a world where it’s illegal to be gay in the Marines? Well, that’s what the show tells you in the form of an 8-part comedy series. Now, I do say comedy, but that doesn’t mean it makes light of the dark themes the show touches upon. Already, the looming question on your mind might be, “But how can it be fun watching a show about a closeted gay youth being trained to be a stone-cold killer?” 

The show also brings many characters into Cam’s life in the form of mentors, senior drill instructors, friends, and rivals. It’s a wholesome reminder of what one can achieve with a lot of discipline and a lot more training. While Cam is the most compelling character of the show, owing to the fact that we’re watching everything go down from his point of view, Sullivan is as much of a main character as him. In fact, somewhere down the line, the show gets split into two subplots, giving us a multi-generational story that’s definitely more interesting than just watching men yell profanities at boys to make them “stronger.” But, having said that, there’s still a lot of heart to Boots, and I think that’s what makes it worth your time. When a show is heavy on dark themes, it’s easy to forget that it’s still meant for entertainment. The thing about good TV is that even when it may come from a good place, it can be torn apart for not excelling in every aspect. Given that the show is mainly focused on boot camp, the bunkroom scenes can feel repetitive and a bit boring. After some time, everything starts to blend together, and you have trouble remembering what went down here. It’s like when you get bored doing the same chores over and over again, but the actual premise is engaging. 

Going from being looked down upon by your family as an outcast to feeling like you’re a part of a brotherhood is a sentiment that many people may relate to. While Cam’s story is personal to Greg, who inspired the main character (I mean, the book that inspired the show is his memoir), everybody can feel some sort of visibility through these characters. The show doesn’t just hone in on the queer side of things, though that’s the main subject we’re discussing here; it also goes into race, gender roles, and more within the Marines. 

Boots is set in 1990, a pivotal period just before the implementation of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the U.S. military, but ironically, Cam’s escape from an erratic mother and an unexceptional life is to join bootcamp, where it is illegal to be gay. Not only is this unbelievably audacious, but it also makes you feel like, at that moment, anybody can do anything. Cam’s attitude towards training isn’t just focused on himself, though; he’s an empath who brings love and a sense of camaraderie to boot camp, a place where you’re meant to “KILL KILL KILL” anyone who doesn’t share the same opinions as you. Jokes aside, though, it’s truly touching how it manages to portray a deeply masculine intimacy at moments, despite the pervasive homophobia. It’s definitely very macho theater, but the actors are all self-aware of the drama. 

Not all queer coming-of-age stories have to be sprinkled with rainbows and raise a flag of liberation. Sometimes, it’s simply about subtle messaging. Vera Farmiga plays Cam’s mother, and it’s really nice to see her on screen fresh off of her Lorraine phase, with red hair and all. But it’s quite the shame that she’s barely around (especially considering she’s one of two important female characters in the show). Not all inequalities are created equal, amirite? 

Of course, I can’t go without talking about Miles Heizer, who plays Cam and makes the character his own. The actor shows off how he’s capable of carrying the whole show on his shoulders and holding his own. Liam Oh plays his best friend, Ray, and they work great together. But it’s got to be Max Parker who takes the cake as Sgt. Sullivan. The actor stands out and is certainly a scene-stealer. He’s dynamic, powerful, and intimidating, all while being quiet and self-assured. The rest of the supporting cast is terrific, too, and you definitely feel like you’re in boot camp for real. The Bowmans are convincing as brothers, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them to put aside their differences. Technically, the show is well shot, but it’s the music that brings it alive. If you’re into the classic stuff, you’re definitely going to love the songs that feel hand-picked for each moment. There’s a lot of alt-rock and punk pop carrying that late 80s feel, and Queen even makes an appearance a couple times. Makes sense, queer icon that Freddie Mercury was.

At the end of the day, if you like coming-of-age stories but have been bored by the quality of content we’ve been getting lately, Boots will feel like a fresh catch. It can definitely feel draggy in bits, especially because of the repetitive nature of boot-camp-ery, but once you move past it, it’s fun and exciting in many ways. More importantly, it’s secretly inspiring and will definitely ignite something in you, whether it’s a feeling of hope or a need to want to get your act together; that’s up to you. I give Boots 3 out of 5 stars.