Most critics find Boys Don’t Cry a gripping, harrowing love story, with praise concentrated on the performances and Peirce’s handling of difficult material. Hilary Swank receives broad approval for her portrayal of Brandon, while several reviews give particular weight to Sevigny’s subtle performance as Lana. The central relationship supplies much of the emotional force. Critics also value the film’s lyrical style and its attention to people rather than sociological explanation.
The spread is wide, though the dissent is isolated rather than evidence of an evenly divided consensus. Empire admires the acting and taut direction but finds the characters’ backgrounds too sparsely drawn. The Evening Standard challenges the prevailing view more fundamentally: it considers Swank miscast and argues that the film romanticises the relationship without adequately examining its deceptions. Where most critics see persuasive performances and delicacy, this dissent finds an unconvincing treatment of the story.