National Anthem (2024) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in rural New Mexico, primarily at the House of Splendor ranch, a remote haven where queer residents live peacefully. The dusty plains, open skies, and ranch work create a landscape that frames the community's support for self-expression.

• rural new mexico
• house of splendor ranch
• setting
• location

The House of Splendor ranch is a remote ranch in rural New Mexico that serves as a living space for a queer community. It functions as a chosen family where residents support each other's self-expression, away from the judgment they might face elsewhere.

• house of splendor
• ranch
• queer community
• haven

The story unfolds in present day, featuring modern jobs, fashion, and music. The rural setting, rodeos, drag performances, and small-town American culture reflect current times.

• present day
• modern
• time period
• contemporary

The movie explores several interconnected themes: Identity (through characters exploring gender and sexual expression), Belonging (the ranch as chosen family), Love & Freedom (navigating open relationships), and Art & Performance (drag and self-expression).

• themes
• identity
• belonging
• love
• freedom
• art
• performance

The film centers on personal growth through exploring gender and sexual expression. Dylan's attraction to Sky and curiosity about self-discovery drive his journey, while Sky's open identity challenges traditional norms within the ranch community.

• identity
• self-discovery
• trans
• gender expression

The ranch community functions as a chosen family for Dylan and other residents, offering acceptance absent in their external lives. Dylan balances obligations to his biological family at home with growing bonds at the ranch, and Fiona's reconciliation highlights themes of belonging and forgiveness.

• chosen family
• belonging
• acceptance
• fiona
• reconciliation

Drag performances and makeup serve as symbols of courage and self-expression. Dylan participates in lip-sync numbers and wears makeup to connect with Sky and the community, with these performances becoming meaningful acts of belonging rather than mere entertainment.

• drag
• performance
• makeup
• self-expression
• art

Dylan is a 21-year-old construction worker from rural New Mexico who supports his younger brother Cassidy and alcoholic mother Fiona financially. Seeking independence, he finds work at the ranch and discovers a space where he can explore his identity and form connections beyond his troubled home life.

• dylan
• main character
• construction worker
• brother
• Cassidy

Sky is a trans woman and resident of the ranch who introduces Dylan to the community. She is Pepe's girlfriend and serves as a central romantic and emotional anchor for Dylan, sharing a carefree, expressive vibe through makeup and performances.

• sky
• trans woman
• pepe
• romantic interest

Fiona is Dylan's alcoholic mother who is protective and wary of his involvement with the ranch community. She initially resents how ranch time impacts Dylan and Cassidy, and steals money from his RV savings, but eventually seeks reconciliation with her family.

• fiona
• mother
• alcoholic
• family conflict

Pepe is Dylan's temporary employer at the ranch and is in a relationship with Sky. He grapples with jealousy and the complexities of an open relationship, balancing affection with possessiveness as Dylan becomes closer to Sky.

• pepe
• ranch employer
• relationship
• jealousy
• sky

Carrie is a non-binary resident of the ranch who shares their coming-out experience with Dylan and advises him that he can choose who he want to be. Carrie serves as a voice of resilience and openness within the community.

• carrie
• non-binary
• coming-out
• mentor
• community