Not our typical rom-com, this is a tale of high school love, but it is different than what we are used to because it is about a same sex crush. It was great entertainment, and as an older gay man, it was heartwarming to see the way homosexuality is shown on the big screen now, versus when I was growing up. If this were me it would be 1977, things were far different then, although they were improving for my community.
From the producers of The Fault in Our Stars comes the relatable and heartfelt coming-of-age film LOVE, SIMON. 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. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Everwood, The Flash, Riverdale), with a screenplay by Elizabeth Berger & Isaac Aptaker, and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
I am a huge fan of Greg Berlanti. I am thrilled that one of Hollywood’s big TV directors is an out gay man and doesn’t shy away from sex relationships in his work, whether it is TV, or this movie. I need my son to grow up in a world where these relationships are seen as normal, because they are. And if you watch Greg’s shows, he doesn’t shove the issue in your face, it is just there, as it is in life. Except of course for this movie, that is the theme, and it is handled very well, and I like that it moves all people across the spectrum, when broken down it is about love, not gay love, and not straight love, but the worst kind, teenage love!
In LOVE, SIMON sixteen-year-old and not openly gay Simon Spier starts a secret email flirtation with another closeted classmate. But when one of his emails falls into the wrong hands, Simon’s secret is at risk of going public. He finds himself being blackmailed by Martin, his socially awkward, yet overtly confident classmate: Martin believes that with Simon’s help, he could get a date with the beautiful Abby Suso (Alexandra Shipp). And if Simon won’t play wingman to Martin… well, his sexual identity might just become public knowledge. Worse, the privacy of ‘Blue’, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be public too.
With his tight-knit group of friends branching out in new directions, his email correspondence with Blue growing more significant every day, and Martin’s potential threat hanging over him, Simon starts to feels out of control. Now he has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or losing a shot at happiness with a guy whose real name he doesn’t even know.
Again, a lot of this is the high school drama we all grew up with (and which my own son is going through right now), just with a “tiny” different twist with the main characters. In the end this is a beautiful love story and I am thrilled at the acceptance the main character receives, it helps me to feel good about myself and the future of our young people! Buy the movie this week, and watch it again and again, it is that good!!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes:
o “The Adaptation” – Learn how the touching book Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli was adapted into Love, Simon
o “The Squad” – Love, Simon’s cast members are some serious #squadgoals. Take a look into how the filmmakers developed, casted and perfected Simon’s squad.
o “#First Love Story Contest” – Everyone deserves a great first love story! Watch one lucky fan tell audiences about their first love story.
o “Dear Georgia” – Join the filmmakers as they show you the iconic filming locations in Atlanta.
o “Dear Atlanta” – The book takes place in Atlanta and the film was also shot there! Learn the many reasons why production chose this great city!
Disclosure: We received this movie for review. All opinions are 100% honest and our own.
Nicole says
I’ve been really wanting to see this movie! Even as an adult I still love those teenage dramas, and this looked like one that I would really enjoy. I’m excited that it is now on dvd
NYC Single Mom says
From your review, it sounds like the “perfect” teen rom! Can’t wait to watch this with my teen daughter. We both Nick Robinson (Simon) from his Everything, Everything role.