“Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all his classmates: he’s gay. When that secret is leaked, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.” IMDB
This film in so many ways, is not a film I’d normally like. It’s a high school coming-of-age story, it’s a rom-com, it’s family drama, but it’s all of this in just the right balance. It’s wonderfully sweet and uplifting, without being insipid or saccharine.
Based on the best-selling novel, “Simon vs the Homo Sapien Agenda”, by Becky Abertelli, this is a story of a normal boy, with a normal life, with normal friends who do normal things and are obsessed with 80s and 90s films (and music)… totally normal. Except, that he’s gay.
Engaging in a pen-pal relationship with a fellow gay student who’s anonymously come out of the closet, it largely where the “so sweet” of this film lies, and you’re really going to love it. However, through some unpleasant circumstances involving blackmail and some manipulatory hijinks, his orientation is outed by a fellow classmate and hearts break all around as vested interests in the tight-knit group play out to some inevitable conclusions.
Now thankfully, there are no “gaydar” jokes and whilst it carries through a lot of “stereotypes” of coming-out films it was not trite, clichéd and possessed a lot of heart. Though, there are some inclusionist issues it really is wonderful. One thing it does touch on quite well is the hetero-orienting and wheedling pressure from parents, which is basically personified by Simon’s dad, Jack played by Duhamel. Whilst the pressures from friends, school and even teachers is heavy, it’s the “hot girl” jokes at home where we see Simon wound up and anxious. It also breaks a lot of ground by being the first film produced by a major Hollywood studio to feature a gay teenage protagonist. And it’s about time!
Greg Berlanti, whose previous direction includes Life as We Know It weaves this story together really well. There’s a lot of tonal/genre change in this film, from a satirical imagining of children coming out to their whimpering parents as heterosexual (yes, hetero), to the sweetest hearts to hearts, he’s managed it seamlessly. This is also bolstered by a damn great soundtrack, with just the right balance of nods to the 90s and some goodies from rock/indie peeps Bleachers. And yes, there’s the typical teen party scene where some embarrassing (to us) karaoke takes place to some old hits.
Our protagonist Simon, played by Robinson (Jurassic World and Everything, Everything) does superbly and is rounded out with a lovely entourage of sentimental and brave souls, played by Langford, Lonsdale, Lendeborg Jr.. A special call out for Alexandra Shipp’s (X-Men: Apocalypse) fierceness as the “new girl” Abby.
The supporting characters here are really amazing. They all weave together well, and leave an imprint on the story. From the creepy, iver-sharing principal to that one teacher who has the second most heroic moment in the film by standing up for the downtrodden underdogs. Honestly, there were “whoops!” in the theatre at this moment, and it wasn’t just me.
Basically, if you don’t leave this film giddy, then there may be no hope for you at all. I’m joking of course. But seriously, go watch this!
Love, Simon opens in NZ cinemas on March 29th.
Grade: 9/10
Must watch: Absolutely.
Worth a cinema watch: If it’s a packed cinema, absolutely.
By Lena Davies
26 March 2018