“Shelter” is as much about surfing as “Brokeback Mountain” was about animal ranching. And like “Brokeback Mountain,” “Shelter” is a well-crafted and original story of a young man’s first love.

The film stands above the majority of other films in its genre thanks to its quality cast and original story. After graduating high school, the life of Zach (Trevor Wright, whose acting background is mostly made up of guest spots on various television shows) is dull and stagnant, as he spends the majority of his time working at a fast food restaurant, surfing and taking care of his young nephew.

All his friends are at college, his father’s health is waning, his sister has practically neglected her son and his relationship with his girlfriend is growing rocky.

Zach’s only escape is the ocean, where he spends all of his free time surfing alone. One day, when picking up a surf board from a friend’s beach house, he runs into Shaun (Brad Rowe, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”), a writer who has come down from Los Angeles seeking solitude after a harsh breakup. The two strike up a friendship that seems to be based around surfing — until they share a drunken kiss.

“Shelter” is primarily Zach’s story of transformation from a boy dealing with his sexuality, family problems and lack of direction to a vibrant young man. The story of Shaun’s passive behavior and his own development fall to the periphery.

Some of the scenes, such as the arguments between Zach and Jeanne and Zach and Shaun, seem a little forced and don’t quite mesh with the overall tone of the movie; rather, they break up the smooth plotline.

“Shelter” avoids the typical stereotypes of coming-out movies and makes for a new and original love story. There are no gay bars or mentions of AIDS. Instead, “Shelter” dismisses clichés and focuses on Zach’s first love and how it affects his life.

“Shelter” serves as a fresh take on the gay romance genre of film, which is so frequently parodied by Hollywood. It is a gay love story that is not just told for a gay audience, but with a universal appeal as a film about human connection and emotion that can reach anyone who has faced hardships, grown up and fallen in love.

— Contact Jaren Dunning.