The Netflix movie Frybread Face and Me is a poignant drama that follows the story of two young Navajo cousins from different worlds who come together during a summer when they are herding sheep on their grandmother’s ranch in Arizona. During the time they spend together, they start to bond and begin learning more about their family’s legacy, as well as discovering things about themselves. The film was written and directed by Billy Luther and stars Keir Tallman, Charley Hogan, and Sarah H Natani. The coming-of-age story is often bittersweet and warm, exploring the characters, and giving an honest account of the lives of those involved. This authenticity seems to imply the film is based on a true story — but is it?
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Is Frybread Face and Me based on a true story?
Frybread Face and Me is not based on a true story. However, writer and director Billy Luther has used some instances from his own life and upbringing to infuse the script with an authenticity that feels so vibrant and real that you would be forgiven for thinking this was a true story.
In an interview with Them, the writer would explain some of the ideas behind the movie. “This is my story, but the lines are blurred. It’s a memory of a moment in time,” he says, then continues, “I wanted to tell a story that celebrated my culture and traditions.” So although the film is not a true story, it has its roots in Luther’s culture and experience.
What is Frybread Face and Me about?
Frybread Face and Me is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of a young boy named Benny who comes from San Diego and has to spend the summer with his Navajo grandmother on her reservation in Arizona. There, he meets and bonds with his cousin Frybread Face, and the film explores their family’s legacy and their personalities as they try to make sense of the world around them and the people that they may become.
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The official synopsis on IMDb reads:
Two adolescent Navajo cousins from different worlds bond during a summer herding sheep on their grandmother’s ranch in Arizona while learning more about their family’s past and themselves.
What are people saying about Frybread Face and Me?
The film has been very positively received by critics and viewers. It currently has a nice 7.3/10 on IMDb, with many praising the mixture of emotions that the film makes you feel, and commenting on the authentic portrayal of the characters. Many commented on the authenticity of the setting and the film staying true to Navajo life.
RogerEbert.com gives the film a three-star rating, while Deadline muses the film is an “Evocative, all-inclusive meditation on childhood.”
Viewers on social media have also delivered high praise:
I just watched Frybread Face and Me and I was crying. There are some moments in this movie that felt like memories.
It was beautiful.
The kind of movie I need to get up and make. pic.twitter.com/CahUMAb0aD— ?Cuchillo Lope? (@HosteenCholo) November 24, 2023
I absolutely loved Frybread Face And Me. This movie/documentary is a coming of age film for the main character, Benny who goes to live with his grandmother for the summer on the rez in Winslow, Az. Here he meets his cousin, Frybread Face (Dawn). His grandmother only speaks Navajo… pic.twitter.com/Yn8HE58V3X
— myfriendscallmet (@tlovesorchids) November 26, 2023
What else is Billy Luther known for?
You might recognise Billy Luther from the TV series Dark Winds which premiered in 2022. The synopsis of the show states “(Dark Winds) follows Leaphorn and Chee, two Navajo police officers in the 1970s Southwest that are forced to challenge their own spiritual beliefs when they search for clues in a double murder case.”
Dark Winds was renewed for a second season, and the show features a crew that is nearly entirely made up of Native Americans.
