(I) Love, this movie: A review of Love, Simon

As a cynic at heart, I normally avoid movies considered to be 'chick-flicks' or 'romcoms,' to save myself the embarrassment of watching two generic characters pretend they have chemistry and then make out for five minutes after an hour and a half of subpar exposition.

But this movie is different.

Original Cover, 2015

After hearing the movie (directed by Greg Berlanti) was based off of Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel, Simon vs. the Homosapiens' Agenda, I was extremely excited. The book was very well-written, with characters that you instantly fell in love with and a story that stole your heart. Set in Atlanta, Georgia, it follows 17-year old Simon Spier, who is in the closet and ends up starting an email relationship with an anonymous classmate. Throughout the novel, both issues are addressed through humour, blackmail, and an abundance of oreos.

From left to right: Alexandra Shipp, Nick Robinson, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Katherine Langford

Love, Simon certainly lived up to its expectations. It was the feel-good, teenage rom-com that LGBT teens had spent decades waiting for. It was also extremely authentic in terms of accuracy to the book.

The acting was well done by a diverse cast with people perfectly chosen for their role. Nick Robinson (Jurassic World), Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why), Alexandra Shipp (X-men: Apocalypse) and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (Spiderman: Homecoming), formed the integral quartet. The chemistry between the four was undeniable, and allowed audiences to genuinely enjoy a non-forced high school friendship.

The cinematography was simple, but cleverly nuanced. The disoriented focus was especially well done. The screenplay was adapted by Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker, and featured several well-received pop culture references (*cough cough* Panic! at the Disco, Harry Potter) and puns. The set design was realistic, and the soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal. The songs added to the atmosphere of each scene, and for me personally, meant I got to have a dance party in the middle of the cinema. Thankfully I went alone otherwise my friends would have mutilated me. Honourable song mentions include: Rollercoaster (Bleachers), Strawberries & Cigarettes (Troye Sivan), Love Me (the 1975) and Love Lies (Khalid & Normani).

The thing that made this movie what it is was the audience reaction. Every single member of the audience (mostly teenagers) were completely engrossed in the movie. We laughed, we screamed, we cried. Towards the climax of the movie, the whole cinema roared with anger. At the ending (no spoilers mes amis), the whole cinema cheered and screamed. All over social media, teenagers were talking about the influence Love, Simon had had on their lives, inspiring them to come out and inspiring their parents and friends to accept them.

And this all came from just one movie.

For a community of young teenagers struggling with their identity amidst an enormous lack of representation in the media, movies like Love, Simon open up areas of discussion, doorways of acceptance for all of those in the community. It's a reminder that everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, deserves a great love story.

I strongly recommend that you go watch Love, Simon. You don't even need to bring a friend. I went all by myself, which meant I didn't have to share my popcorn.

Aurevoir

-CLB 11/4/18