Elijah’s Ashes (2017) – A Dark Comedy About Family, Identity, and Acceptance

Director: Ryan Barton-Grimley

A Journey Full of Egos, Ashes, and Self-Discovery

Elijah’s Ashes breaks away from the typical indie comedy mold. It’s loud, chaotic, uncomfortable, and unapologetically queer when it needs to be. At its heart, it’s about two half-brothers—distant and completely different from one another. Lawrence is a passionate, openly gay artist, while Kevin is a straight, conservative real-estate agent who seems to have more emotional baggage than a thrift store.

Their paths collide when their father’s will forces them on a road trip to scatter his ashes in some truly ridiculous spots. Sounds like it could go wrong, right? Well, it does. And that’s what makes it so entertaining.

Opposites Don’t Just Pull Together—They Detonate

Right from the start, the tension between Lawrence and Kevin is palpable and harsh. Their arguments shift from hilarious to painfully raw. But beneath the sharp words and comebacks, there’s a raw look at identity, self-acceptance, and the emotional wreckage that parents sometimes leave in their wake.

While Kevin’s casual homophobia is never brushed aside, the film cleverly reveals how it’s often driven by fear and deep insecurity. On the other side, Lawrence stands firm in who he is—dramatic, blunt, and unashamed—but also deeply vulnerable in ways that Kevin struggles to understand.

Throughout their journey, both on the road and emotionally, they end up confronting more than just their father’s ashes.

A Darkly Humorous Journey with a Queer Core

What really sets Elijah’s Ashes apart is its tone. Sure, it’s comedic, but it’s the kind that isn’t afraid to make you squirm. Whether it’s a ridiculous GPS fight in the middle of nowhere or dealing with bizarre strangers, the absurd moments become a backdrop for heavier themes: masculinity, repression, sibling trauma, and reconciling who you are with who your family expects you to be.

There are parts that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts, but then there are also moments that strike deeply, particularly for queer viewers who’ve felt rejected or unseen by their own families.

A Small Cast with a Massive Impact

Ryan Barton-Grimley and Ari Schneider (who also co-wrote the script) lead the charge, bringing a sense of believable tension and perfect comedic timing. Their on-screen chemistry feels authentic, with a chaos that makes the emotional moments hit harder.

The supporting cast is bizarre, unpredictable, and sometimes downright surreal—perfect for a story about a road trip filled with emotional landmines.

Final Thoughts

Elijah’s Ashes is a gritty little treasure. It’s not polished, it doesn’t hide its flaws, and it certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea—but for those who like their comedies a bit rough around the edges and their queer cinema with zero filters, there’s a lot to admire here.

At its core, it’s about letting go—of ashes, of expectations, and of the version of yourself your family imagined. And maybe, just maybe, it’s about seeing someone you’ve given up on—and discovering that you might just see a reflection of yourself in them.