What Is National Anthem About?
The premise of National Anthem in 268 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the wide‑open landscape of rural New Mexico, Dylan works as a construction laborer, shouldering the responsibilities of caring for his younger brother Cassidy and their mother Fiona. The daily grind of building and the weight of family obligations keep his dreams of an open road and a brighter horizon at arm’s length, yet they also sharpen his yearning for something beyond the familiar dust and routine.
A chance invitation from Pepe leads Dylan to the House of Splendor, a ranch that feels more like a sanctuary than a workplace. The property is alive with pastel banners and the quiet confidence of a close‑knit community that lives openly and proudly. Among its residents, the charismatic trans woman Sky extends a warm, unapologetic welcome, while a colorful cast of rodeo performers and queer individuals embody a world where identity is celebrated rather than hidden.
Within this vibrant setting, the rhythm of the rodeo mingles with the pulse of drag nights, creating a backdrop where self‑discovery and camaraderie flourish. Dylan finds himself drawn to the fearless authenticity of those around him—people who ride bulls, wear glitter, and share stories of both hardship and joy. Their unapologetic embrace of who they are offers him a quiet invitation to explore his own sense of belonging without the pressure of judgment.
As the sun sets over the prairie, the ranch’s atmosphere of hope, resilience, and artistic expression begins to reshape Dylan’s perspective. The promise of new possibilities hangs like a distant horizon, suggesting that the path forward may be as bold and uncharted as the open country he has always longed to traverse.
What Happens in National Anthem?
The complete story of National Anthem, from the first scene to the last, in 526 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Dylan is a 21-year-old who lives in rural New Mexico and works as a construction worker to support his little brother Cassidy and their alcoholic mother, Fiona. He saves every spare dollar to buy an RV and see the country, dreaming of a horizon beyond the family’s daily grind. His path shifts when Pepe asks him to work temporarily at a ranch called House of Splendor. From a distance he watches its queer residents live peaceful, expressive lives, and he begins to grow acquainted with Sky, Pepe’s trans girlfriend, whose warmth and openness draw him in. A rainbow flag fluttering on the property becomes a small, bright sign of belonging, though she warns him—quietly and firmly—not to get too close.
One day the group turns up at a local superstore, and Sky applies eyeshadow on Dylan before inviting him to a rodeo where several residents will be participating. He agrees to go, only to flee the store later, ashamed of wearing makeup. Cassidy helps him wipe away the makeup, and he begs them to keep it a secret from Fiona.
At the rodeo, Dylan is overwhelmed by the pure joy he sees around him. He’s suddenly inspired to ride a bull after watching Sky, who wins a belt buckle and even gifts it to him. The mood shifts when the group visits a drag bar where Sky performs a lip-sync number. After a round of mushroom tea, Dylan shares a intimate moment with Sky and Pepe. Sky later reveals that the two are in an open relationship, though Pepe’s jealousy is clear, and he reminds Dylan that he is only a temporary resident at the ranch.
Dylan befriends Carrie, a non-binary resident who opens up about being kicked out of their family after coming out. They tell Dylan that he can choose to be whoever he wants, encouraging him to explore his own identity without fear.
After attending a festival together, Dylan and Sky have sex. The night continues with another drag-bar outing where Dylan steps into drag and delivers a confident lip-sync performance. Fiona begins to resent how much time Dylan spends at the ranch, taking Cassidy with him and buying him dresses, a sign of growing strain at home.
The tension comes to a head when Dylan discovers Fiona has stolen some of the money saved for his RV. He storms off with Cassidy to live at the ranch, cutting ties with the old routine for the moment.
While riding horses, a storm hits. Sky’s horse, Cash, bolts into the weather and, after a brutal run, is injured by a barbed wire fence and dies. Sky is devastated, and Pepe offers quiet comfort. Carrie reassures Dylan that it wasn’t his fault, though he carries the weight of guilt for staying out in the storm with Cash after Sky warned him.
Eventually, Fiona returns with an apology and money to put toward an RV, and the family begins to mend. With a renewed sense of hope, Dylan takes his family to another rodeo, and the scene closes on a warm, amiable moment between Dylan and Sky as they share a farewell embrace before parting ways.
National Anthem Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Dylan's rural life and saving for an RV” to “Final rodeo and farewell”. 15 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Dylan's rural life and saving for an RV
Dylan is a 21-year-old who lives in rural New Mexico and works as a construction worker to support his little brother Cassidy and his mother Fiona. He secretly saves money to buy an RV and see the country. His ordinary life begins to shift when Pepe recruits him to do farm work at the House of Splendor ranch.
When:Prologue Where:Rural New Mexico
- 2
Dylan joins House of Splendor and meets Sky
Dylan is recruited to work at the House of Splendor ranch and he sees a group of queer residents living peaceful, accepting lives. He meets Sky, Pepe's trans girlfriend, and begins to feel curious and drawn to the ranch community. The first impressions hint at a world different from his own.
When:Day 1 Where:House of Splendor ranch
- 3
Dylan bonds with Sky and is invited to a rodeo
Dylan grows closer to Sky and learns more about the ranch's open, supportive atmosphere. Sky invites him to a rodeo where several residents will participate. Dylan starts to sense a budding attraction and belonging.
When:Day 2 Where:House of Splendor ranch
- 4
Makeup moment at the superstore and invitation
At a local superstore, Sky applies eyeshadow to Dylan and invites him to the group’s rodeo. Dylan later flees the store, ashamed of wearing makeup in public. The moment foreshadows the tension between his emerging self and Fiona’s expectations.
When:Evening Where:Local superstore
- 5
Keeping secrets: Cassidy helps remove makeup
Back at home, Cassidy helps Dylan remove the makeup, and Dylan asks to keep it secret from Fiona. He worries about how his family will react if they find out. The secret creates a strain between Dylan’s new life and his old responsibilities.
When:Night Where:Dylan's home
- 6
Rodeo day: community joy and gift
At the rodeo, Dylan is swept up in the happiness of watching everyone enjoy themselves. He is inspired to ride a bull after seeing Sky do it, and Sky wins a belt buckle that she then gives to him. The belt symbolically ties him to the ranch’s world.
When:Day Where:Rodeo arena
- 7
Drag bar visit and Sky’s performance
The group visits a drag bar where Sky performs a lip-sync number. Dylan feels a growing sense of belonging and confidence amid the performers and audience. The night deepens his emotional investment in the ranch community.
When:Evening Where:Drag bar
- 8
Mushroom tea, threesome, and open relationship
After drinking mushroom tea, Dylan has a threesome with Sky and Pepe. Sky reveals that they are in an open relationship, though Pepe’s jealousy hints at the complications of their arrangement. Dylan navigates new intimacy amid shifting loyalties.
When:Night Where:House of Splendor ranch
- 9
Carrie shares coming-out story and advice
Dylan befriends Carrie, a non-binary resident who recounts being kicked out by a conservative family after coming out. Carrie encourages Dylan to be whoever he wants to be. Their conversation plants a sense of self-empowerment in Dylan.
When:Day Where:House of Splendor ranch
- 10
Festival visit and intimacy with Sky
After visiting a festival, Dylan and Sky have sex, deepening their connection. The experience reinforces Dylan’s pull toward the ranch and its people. He wrestles with how this life might fit with his obligations at home.
When:Day Where:Festival location
Show the other 5 events of National Anthem Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Drag bar performance and Fiona’s resentment grows
The group returns to the drag bar where Dylan confidently performs a lip-sync in drag. Fiona begins to resent Dylan’s increasing time at the ranch and the distance from his family. The tension between Dylan’s new life and his old duties escalates.
When:Night Where:Drag bar
- 12
Fiona steals RV money; Dylan and Cassidy leave
Fiona steals some of Dylan’s RV savings, triggering a confrontation. Dylan storms off with Cassidy to live on the ranch, seeking safety and a sense of belonging. This rupture exposes the fragility of the family dynamics.
When:Evening Where:Dylan’s home/ranch
- 13
Storm on horseback; Cash dies; grief begins
During a horse ride, Dylan and Sky are caught in a fierce storm. Sky’s horse, Cash, panics and crashes into a barbed-wire fence, dying from the injuries. The tragedy intensifies Sky’s heartbreak and tests Dylan’s sense of responsibility.
When:Storm Where:Ranch countryside
- 14
Reconciliation and plan for the future
An apologetic Fiona returns Dylan’s RV money and helps them see a path forward. Dylan reconciles with his family and feels hopeful about buying the RV and moving toward a new life. The family bond strengthens after their shared hardship.
When:Post-storm Where:Family home
- 15
Final rodeo and farewell
Dylan takes his family to another rodeo, and there is a calm, bittersweet moment as he and Sky share an amiable embrace before parting ways. The film closes on a note of possibility and unresolved longing for Dylan’s future. The ranch world leaves him with a sense of belonging, even as he chooses a path with his family.
When:Finale Where:Ride/rodeo venue
Who Are the Main Characters in National Anthem?
6 characters, among them Dylan (Charlie Plummer), Sky (Eve Lindley) and Fiona (Robyn Lively): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Dylan (Charlie Plummer)
Played by Charlie Plummer
A 21-year-old construction worker from rural New Mexico who sends money home to support his little brother Cassidy and alcoholic mother Fiona. He seeks independence by saving for an RV and is drawn to the ranch’s accepting, queer environment, where he forms a connection with Sky and experiences life beyond his troubled home.
- 🎯 Family-first
- 🛠️ Working-class
- 🌈 Curious about identity
-
Sky (Eve Lindley)
Played by Eve Lindley
A resident of the ranch who is a trans woman and Pepe’s girlfriend. Sky introduces Dylan to the ranch’s social circle, shares a carefree, expressive vibe through makeup and performances, and becomes a central romantic and emotional anchor for him.
- 🏳️⚧️ Trans identity
- 🎨 Artistic
- 🤝 Community-builder
-
Fiona (Robyn Lively)
Played by Robyn Lively
Dylan’s alcoholic mother who is protective and wary of Dylan getting close to the ranch. She resents how spending time at the ranch impacts Dylan and Cassidy, later stealing money from the RV fund but eventually seeking reconciliation with her family.
- 🍷 Struggle with addiction
- 💔 Family tension
- 🫶 Maternal love
- C(
Carrie (Mason Alexander Park)
Played by Mason Alexander Park
A non-binary resident who shares their coming-out experience with Dylan and advises him that he can choose who he wants to be. Carrie serves as a voice of resilience and openness within the community.
- 🧷 Non-binary identity
- 🤝 Supportive friend
- 🌈 Queer community
- P(
Pepe (René Rosado)
Played by Rene Rosado
Dylan’s temporary ranch employer who is in a relationship with Sky. He wrestles with jealousy and the complexities of a relationship that is open, balancing affection with possessiveness.
- 🏳️🌈 Open relationship
- 🤝 Complicated dynamics
- 🎭 Drama
- C
Cassidy
Dylan’s little brother who supports him and helps keep Dylan’s makeup secret from their alcoholic mother. Cassidy is a touchstone of family loyalty and a key part of Dylan’s home life.
- 👦 Younger sibling
- 💙 Protective
- 🌵 Family ties
Where and When Is National Anthem Set?
National Anthem is set in House of Splendor Ranch, Rural New Mexico, Superstore, Rodeo and Drag Bar (Present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day
The story unfolds in contemporary times, with modern jobs, fashion, and music. The rural setting and events like rodeos, drag performances, and festivals reflect current cultural moments in small-town America.
Where
House of Splendor Ranch, Rural New Mexico, Superstore, Rodeo, Drag Bar
The House of Splendor ranch sits in rural New Mexico, a remote haven where queer residents live peacefully. The surrounding landscape—dusty plains, open skies, and ranch work—frames a community that supports self-expression and mutual care. The group frequents a nearby Superstore, attends rodeos, and gathers at a drag bar, all of which deepen their sense of belonging.
- 🏜️ Rural landscape
- 🏳️🌈 Queer community
- 🐎 Ranch life
What Are the Themes of National Anthem?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Belonging and Love & Freedom.
-
01
Identity
Dylan’s attraction to Sky and his curiosity about gender and sexual expression drive personal growth. Sky’s identity and openness challenge traditional norms within the ranch community, while Carrie’s coming-out story provides a lens on self-discovery. The open relationship with Pepe adds complexity to how desire and boundaries are navigated.
-
02
Belonging
The ranch community functions as a chosen family for Dylan, Sky, and the other residents, offering acceptance and companionship absent in their external lives. Dylan grapples with balancing family obligations at home with his growing bonds at the ranch. Fiona's resistance and eventual reconciliation highlight themes of belonging and forgiveness within family dynamics.
-
03
Love & Freedom
Romantic and sexual exploration unfolds in an atmosphere of freedom at the ranch, where relationships are navigated with honesty and care. Jealousy and longing surface as Dylan, Sky, and Pepe test the boundaries of open relationships. The group’s affection for each other informs their choices and the moments of heartbreak and reassurance.
-
04
Art & Performance
Drag performances and makeup at the bar and rodeo culture give the characters a stage for self-expression. Dylan embraces drag, participating in lip-sync numbers and wearing makeup to connect with Sky and the community. These performances become symbols of courage and belonging, not just entertainment.
What Kind of Film Is National Anthem?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A gentle and intimate drama about a young man's quiet journey of self-discovery within a supportive queer community, filled with moments of tender connection, personal liberation, and the bittersweet pangs of growth.
- explorative
- intimate
- gentle
- liberating
- earnest
- melancholic
- self-discovery
- lgbtq+ identity
- found family
- breaking cycles
Content notes: animal death, alcoholism, theft.
Quiz
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