Based on the journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis' New York Times Magazine article "My Ex-Gay Friend",[1] the film stars James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts, and Charlie Carver.

Based on a true story, the film depicts gay activist Michael Glatze, who rejects homosexuality and becomes a Christian pastor.

[4] On August 15, Avan Jogia joined the film as Nico, a young man whom Michael meets and falls for along his journey.

[6] On August 25, Daryl Hannah joined the film to play Deborah, who runs a Colorado Buddhist retreat where Michael goes to find solace.

The website's critical consensus reads, "I Am Michael takes a determinedly balanced approach to its complex subject, and although the results don't always add up, they're anchored by strong work from James Franco.

[17] Peter Debruge of Variety wrote, "An unusually nuanced James Franco carries this complex portrait of a man who came out and fought to encourage other LGBT youth before converting to conservative Christianity," but concluded that the film was too dry and kept the title character too distant and veiled in its attempt to be impartial.