In today’s day and age, we are constantly questioning our sexuality. What am I? What do I like? What age is the right age? When do you know? Are you born with it? When do you discuss it with your children? When do you tell your parents? Your friends? Do they care? How are schools taking to the “two dads or two moms” and dealing with kids still feeling the need to bully about this?
As an older sister to a baby girl and six year old boy I am hoping to build the environment where if they do decide to come out to me that they feel comfortable in doing so. Growing up I had Uncle T. & W. who were openly gay men living their most fabulous life with martinis and polo shirts, I had a baby sitter that was a woman who liked dressing and acting like a man. I call it childhood, others call it childhood in West Hollywood!
My parents and family did it for my cousins and I. I realize how lucky we were and are. To not feel the burden of having to choose ones sexuality… of being able to live free.
Everyone deserves a great love story.
But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. The setting of a typical American high school let’s us imagine being in Simon’s shoes. Simon sets out to discover his anonymous admirer and muster up the courage to come out.
Directed by Greg Berlanti (Riverdale, The Flash, Supergirl), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON.
This movie is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love. As the romantic mystery develops, the light comedy keeps us amused. Which in these hard times for social acceptance come as a breath of fresh air.
The movie’s roster of compelling performances by some of our favorite actors certainly play an integral role in confirming its success & length in success.
Robinson’s charismatic work as the likeable Simon is matched by an equally amazing supporting cast that includes Jennifer Garner (We all remember how perfect she was in Juno), Josh Duhamel (he is the eternal sexy dad) , the tear jerking moments also insure that friends and family will be both confronted to “déjà-vu” moments. The coming out to your best friend, the fear of no longer having the blanket of protection of no one knowing… Without laying too heavy of a layer this movie definetly touches all the subjects that teens are going through. Love, Simon does act as a somewhat erratic drama that nevertheless packs a punch at several key moments.
There are things about Love, Simon that are undeniably cheesy. The goofball vice principal who jokes with his students about his Tinder dates. The coming out to his sister that is uncomfortable for both characters. Without spoiling anything more, I leave you wondering will Simon in the end find out who his anonymous lover is?
The solution? Go and see Love, Simon. Chances are there’s a Simon in your life who’d appreciate the gesture.
Written by Charly More
