National Anthem 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.