A camping trip proves revelatory for an awkward 14-year-old in writer-director Corey Sherman’s winning feature debut Big Boys. Star Isaac Krasner navigates a tricky role as a closeted teen who shields himself against dangers he perceives in the world – and his snarky big brother – with a barrage of nervous trivia and factoids. But that arsenal feels useless as feels the pangs of his first big crush during the weekend away.

The trip has become a tradition for Jamie (Krasner), his brother Will (Taj Cross), and their cool older cousin Allie (Dora Madison). Both boys look forward to hanging out with her but this year is different: She is bringing her new boyfriend Dan (David Johnson III) along. Jamie goes into panic mode, already convinced this stranger will ruin their vacation. But when they meet, Jamie’s anxiety melts under Dan’s reality. A big, handsome, friendly bear of a man with a sweet, patient disposition, he has Jamie’s undivided attention. That Dan also shares Jamie’s love of Alicia Keys just makes him that much more attractive.

Sherman’s storytelling is compact and efficient. Jamie is like a big, ungainly puppy around Dan while trying to keep his feelings hidden. Certainly, Will barely notices the difference in Jamie’s behavior as he tries to interest his little bro in hanging out with a pair of girls they meet by the lake. Jamie even tries to go along with that, paired up with a teen nearly as uncomfortable as he is. But ultimately he is really only interested in being around Dan even if it tortures him to see Dan with Allie.

On the surface, not a lot happens in Big Boys. It’s just four people hanging out in the woods over a weekend. The real drama is unfolding in Jamie’s mind and heart as he navigates his growing feelings for Dan and takes his first tentative steps into coming into his own. Framed as a comedy, the film is funny but what truly captivates in this coming-of-age tale are its big heart and the sweet teen at its center. –Pam Grady  

Big Boys is available to watch on Apple, Amazon, Google, YouTube, Vudu, Direct TV, and through local cable providers.