Love, Simon is not just another movie in a long line of teen romance films – it is a love letter (or email) to a new generation. This generation welcomes acceptance and are ready to see more LGBT characters represented at the forefront in mainstream media.

When Simon says, “I’m just like you”, he really is; people just do not know he is gay. The film, directed by Greg Berlanti and based on the book Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, does an excellent job of creating a film that is not only entertaining but also relevant. The film follows Simon Spier, and his friends, throughout their senior year of high school.

While Simon tries to figure out who his mysterious emailer Blue is, a blackmailer threatens to out him to the entire school.

Nick Robertson, in the title role, gives a great performance. His portrayal of Simon is honest. Watching his character try to figure out who the mysterious Blue is, is a fun mystery (unless you have read the book) but Simon is still a teenager and makes mistakes which become more obvious throughout the course of the film as he is forced to lie to his friends.

Jennifer Garner is exceptional as Simon’s mother. Her performance is subtle but strong and her character sneaks up on you as one of the best.

Emily Spier is a caring and perceptive parent. She is both calm and witty and has some wonderful jokes mixed in with one of the most heartfelt scenes of the entire film.

The stakes are not incredibly high in this film and it definitely doesn’t cover everything in the book – what adaptation truly does? But it contains all of the right elements to be a feel good, relevant and desperately needed film for a younger generation.

Simon is just like you and it is about time Hollywood catches up and gives us an LGBT romance film for the young adult genre.

Readers also enjoyed this review of Lady Bird.

 

Words by Madelyn Cristaldi
Images via 20th Century Fox