Beyond the Box Office: “Love, Simon” - A Film Review
In our weekly “Beyond the Box Office” segment, we highlight films that may not grace Russian cinemas but still deserve your attention.
Simon is your average American high school senior. He has it all: a loving and understanding family, loyal friends, and social standing at school. But Simon harbors a secret: he’s gay and hasn’t come out to anyone. Grappling with his loneliness, he stumbles upon a blog post by someone named Blue, who confesses to also hiding his sexuality. The two begin an anonymous correspondence, forging a friendship. As their connection deepens, they remain hesitant to reveal their true identities or meet in person. This newfound relationship empowers Simon and ignites feelings of love, driving him toward an eventual meeting with Blue. However, their secret correspondence falls into the wrong hands, and a classmate exposes Simon’s secret to the entire school.
Interestingly, while Nick Robinson was filming “Love, Simon,” his younger brother came out to their parents and friends.
Watching Hollywood productions in recent years, one might assume that homophobia has been eradicated in the United States. Tolerance seems to be instilled from a young age, and sexual orientation, once considered outside the bounds of acceptable morality, is now not only not a hindrance to one’s career or creative pursuits but even an advantage. However, this may be a superficial impression. Americans themselves often speak of the challenges faced by gay individuals, who must not only cope with societal pressure but also reconcile with themselves. “Love, Simon,” a high school romantic comedy directed by Greg Berlanti (known for superhero series like “The Flash” and “Arrow”), explores this internal struggle.
The film is based on the popular young adult novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.” The filmmakers tweaked the ending and carefully concealed the identity of the mysterious Blue to maintain suspense, even for those who have read the book.
A Universal Story of Self-Discovery
Many may approach “Simon” with prejudice, given the less-than-favorable view of same-sex relationships in some circles. However, the film may resonate even with those who are typically opposed to the topic, as the story is fundamentally universal. It explores the difficulty of confiding in others about our problems, sharing our fears with loved ones, and opening up to friends about our anxieties. “Love, Simon” has been dubbed “the John Hughes film for the iPhone and Facebook generation,” and there’s a shared spirit between them. Both explore the challenges of growing up and navigating a new world filled with complexities. It’s not just about orientation or first sexual experiences; being young is inherently difficult.
Lighthearted and Engaging
Aside from the sensitive topic of homosexuality, the film is lighthearted and engaging. It’s filled with humor, youthful energy, and a genuine affection for its characters. The plot unfolds in an intriguing way as Simon imagines various classmates and acquaintances as his mysterious correspondent. The audience might even suspect the school principal, Simon’s father, or his best friend of being Blue. The film is also remarkably delicate, avoiding any explicit or graphic content. The characters simply form friendships, go on dates, argue, and make up, like typical teenagers far removed from adult cynicism.
A Heartwarming Conclusion
By the end, Simon finds happiness and gains a deeper understanding of himself within the context of his friends and family. The long-awaited romantic reunion with his pen pal is a heartwarming moment. By the time the two finally confess their feelings, the audience has become invested in the characters’ teenage struggles and empathizes not only with Simon and his circle but also with some of his less likable acquaintances. The film encourages understanding and compassion for the challenges of growing up, a theme that remains relevant and poignant regardless of the specific issues a teenager faces.
Stellar Performances
“Love, Simon” also boasts excellent performances. The four lead actors are fantastic, with Nick Robinson delivering a standout performance. Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner make a hilarious couple, and each student in the film, thanks to skillful direction and casting, has a distinct personality. While some may struggle to accept that a film about gay characters can be good, “Simon” excels precisely because it doesn’t dwell on the physical aspects of sexuality but instead focuses on what’s in the mind and heart – not only of the characters but also of the audience.