Memoirs of a Gay Marine on Netflix is charming
Based on former U.S. Marine Greg Cobb White’s memoir “The Pink Marine,” executive produced by the late Norman Lear and adapted for television by Andy Parker, Netflix’s military drama “Boots” is an irreverent but insightful look at friendship, self-determination, courage and acceptance amid the challenges and demands of U.S. Marine boot camp. Although it’s as funny as it is devastating, the series is a unique coming-of-age story centered around an unlikely Marine recruit desperate to find himself.
“Boots” opens in 1990 in a New Orleans employment office. With the chaos of high school and constant bullying behind him, Cameron Cobb (perfectly played by Miles Heizer) is desperate for a new chapter. Determined to hide his sexuality and exhausted by the whims of his chaotic mother, Barbara (Vera Farmiga), who has moved her family 10 times in the past 12 years, Wilson Phillips-loving Cameron decides to join the Marines alongside his best and only friend, Ray McAfee (Liam Oh), as a way to escape the monotony of his life and his mother’s antics.
Unfortunately, he’s not fully aware of what he’s getting into, and he definitely should have watched “Full Metal Jacket” as Ray suggested instead of reruns of “Golden Girls.” When he and Ray arrive at Parris Island, South Carolina, for their 13 weeks of basic training and are escorted off the bus by the domineering Senior Drill Sargent (Cedric Cooper) and his lieutenants, he quickly realizes he’s made a bad choice. It also doesn’t help that being gay is illegal in all branches of the armed forces.
The series extends over three months of boot camp, and includes obstacle and confidence courses, rifle shooting, and a 54-hour final test, known as “The Crucible.” Cameron, Ray, and the entire platoon are pushed to their emotional and physical limits. Although he is already out of his element, things change even more for Cameron with the arrival of Drill Sgt. Sullivan (Max Parker), an evil Marine who sees him as a target. On top of that, Ray’s determination to become the unit’s Man of Honor – the highest honor for recruits – and Cameron’s struggle to cope put their friendship on the line.
“Boots” hits all the poignant, heart-wrenching beats that Lear’s work is known for, but creator Parker and the writers room put their own stamp on the show. From the ’90s-infused soundtrack, which includes songs by George Michael and Sade, to the diverse and strong cast with distinct, memorable characters, the series is a compelling, funny, and sometimes tragic portrayal of brotherhood, self-sacrifice, and the cost of serving one’s country. Although much of “Boots” is heavy, some lighter parts, including Cameron’s internal monologue, in which he presents a more daring and confident version of himself, to prominent characters like obsessive but humorous fellow recruit Hicks (Angus O’Brien) and the late addition of Dominican Santos (Rico Paris), make the narrative memorable.
Although the platoon itself anchors the story, viewers also get to see more of the inner workings of the Marines and Parris Island. Captain Fajardo (Ana Ayora) is the first woman to lead a male-dominated company on the base, and the series illustrates the misogynistic rejection she receives in her role, not only from her superiors but from her subordinates as well. Moreover, Cameron, who had previously focused on what he saw as his flaws and hid his sexual orientation, began to see the injustices his fellow recruits faced as well, including fatphobia and racism.
“Shoes” is a joyful and honest watch. It is about a young man who gains introspection and a sense of maturity in an unusually oppressive and challenging environment. On the eve of the Gulf War, the audience is introduced to several young men (and a couple of women) who are brought together by circumstances and pushed to the brink as they slowly, often painfully, learn exactly who they are and what they are made of.
“Boots” is now streaming on Netflix.