Issue with the backstory

It is never made clear how much older than Zach, Shaun is supposed to be. At the time setting of the film, Zach is supposed to be 22 and we can assume Shaun is probably no older than 30 -- probably 28 or 29. Zach and Gabe were friends in high school and someone in Gabe's family, probably his father, made the home video of him and Zach skateboarding. At this time Shaun is in his early to mid 20s and is finished with college and probably living it up in his apartment in L.A. and writing his first book.

When Shaun and Zach meet in the backyard of Shaun's home, it is clear they knew each other before Shaun left home for college. He well may have been attracted to Zach even then but knew better than to make a pass at a 16 or 17 year old boy. However, Zach at that age must already have been aware of certain urges that he did not yet fully understand and certainly would not admit even to himself. Hence, his ongoing relationship with Tori that probably started when they were still in high school.

Later, Shaun asks Zach about his sister Jeanne and her son Cody. "Cody must be getting big." So Shaun probably knew Jeanne and Zach when Cody was an infant. When Zach and Shaun go the beach party, Shaun sees Zach's girl friend, Tori, and says, "Yeah, I remember you."

In a later conversation when Shaun tells Zach that he is writing a second book but is having trouble with it, Zach tells him he read and liked his first book. Shaun asks, "You read it?" Zach replies, "Who knew there was so much drama inside the gates of "Pacific Bluffs"? I never knew." This suggests Zach realized the book was semi-autobiographical, "You changed a few names." Shaun says, "I never knew you knew about me." Shaun is in fact saying that he didn't realize that Zach knew that he was gay. At this point Zach looks just a bit flustered and looks away as they are walking together and changes the subject. Shaun has, in fact, opened the door to Zach and although he is not sure how Zach feels about him, he is certainly becoming attracted to Zach.

In the commentary track, Brad Rowe says: "Character Shaun is doing his best to hide the fact that he has great lust going just now."

Zach'a final conversation with Tori is very touching. Zach is still in turmoil and she is kind and generous and her encouragement to him to follow his heart, in spite of her fondness for him, is going to result in her losing him.

Zach: "There's something I really need to tell you."
Tori: "I already know. I've known for awhile."
Zach (very close to tears): "You're the only reason I wish I wasn't, you know? None of this other ---- matters. You know, what really sucks -- is that I've always wanted to be everything to you. I always dreamed of providing you with anything you ever wanted or needed."
Tori: "Do you love him?
Zach: "Oh, come on."
Tori: "Seriously. He a good guy, Zach. You don't belong to people forever."
Zach: "Then why bother?"
Tori: "Isn't it worth it?"
Zach (sighs): "Yeah."

Very well written scene.
This and the previous conversation Zach has with Gabe in the diner are pivotal in moving Zach to restore his relationship with Shaun.

The breakup scene between Zach and Shaun is, of course, initated by Zach. Shaun has said or done nothing to deserve the harsh remarks and treatment to which Zach is subjecting him. However, that scene is the direct result of the conversation between Zach and his sister and her disapproval at her discovery that Zach is definitely gay and is in love with Shaun.

I have to think that Zach's remarks to Shaun are impetuous, albeit unkind and uncalled for. During this scene we see that there are tears in Zach's eyes as he is making those remarks to Shaun, realizing that what he is saying is hurtful to both of them and may permanently end their relationship.

The following scenes depict Zach's sense of loss and we discover that Shaun, being the older and more mature of the two, is prepared to overlook Zach's remarks and had, in an act of kindness, sent Zach's portfolio and application to Calarts, leading to Zach's being given another chance at a scholarship.

It is particularly touching that it is Zach's two straight friends, Tori and Gabe, who set Zach back on the right track.

In the diner, Gabe actually seems a little hurt when he asks Zach: "Why didn't you tell me?"
Zach says, "Tell you what?" (He is still trying to deny his homosexuality).
Gabe: "I don't care -- at all." He leaves telling Zach that they are still friends: "We're still bros, right?"

In her final scene, Tori asks Zach: "Do you love him?" This is the only time the word "love" is used in the film.
Zach replies, "Oh, come on."
Tori: "Seriously. He's a good guy, Zach"

After they are back together, director Johah Markowitz adds the last little scene of Shaun, Zach and Cody playing happily on the beach. This was added some months after the scene of Jeanne's departure which was originally intended to end the film. I think Markowitz wants us to believe that their future lives will be generally happy.