‘Love Simon’ Is A Groundbreaking, Surprisingly Great Take On The Teen Drama [Review]

How is it 2018 and “Love, Simon” is the first major gay teen film from a studio? The film is at once groundbreaking and so long overdue that it’s embarrassing. For decades, teens have seen themselves on screen in characters such as Cady Heron, Kat Stratford, Lloyd Dobbler and Samantha Baker, and finally offering a gay lead character to stand among them is groundbreaking for teenagers who can identify with Simon Spier (Nick Robinson). But the best part of “Love, Simon” isn’t only that it’s an important film: it’s that it’s a truly good one full of humor and heart that can stand with the best teen movies that they’ll watch on repeat, regardless of the gender of their crush.

Based on Becky Albertalli’s YA novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” “Love, Simon” begins with an intro from 17-year-old Simon, who is a teen living an Instagram-ready life full of great friends, a loving family and a bedroom straight out of the PB Teen website. However, no one knows the secret of his sexuality, which he’s worked to keep quiet. When someone shares an anonymous post on his high school website that he is also gay, Simon sends him an equally anonymous message, sharing that he is in the same situation.

The two teens exchange emails, making this feel like the gay teen version of rom-com essential “You’ve Got Mail” in the best of ways. Simon wonders who among his fellow students is his e-pen pal, examining each real-life interaction with potential partners and imagining them together. Meanwhile, he continues to hide his secret from his closest friends, and daily carpool, mates Leah (Katherine Langford), Nick (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) and Abbey (Alexandra Shipp). When another student reads his email and threatens to expose him (always log out on public computers, Simon), our hero will do anything to make sure he stays quiet.

“Love, Simon” is full of warmth and wit, piling jokes on jokes but never skimping on the emotional impact of Simon’s experience and the value of his relationships. Some might call the film cheesy, but it feels on par with other movies in the genre. *minor spoiler ahead* At the press screening (which appeared to also include fans of Albertalli’s book), our crowd cheered at the swoon-worthy finale. Not only is it an emotionally satisfying finish, but it still feels revelatory for a young gay romance to have such a happy ending, given the tragedies so often seen on screen for similar characters. *end spoilers*

Director Berlanti has limited film experience (“Life as We Know It,” “The Broken Hearts Club“) in comparison to his deep TV résumé that includes all the DC Comics shows on The CW, as well as “Riverdale,” “Blindspot” and “Brothers and Sisters.” This feels like the best version of Berlanti, whose shows sometimes lose their well-crafted characters in search of a convoluted plot (ahem, “The Flash“), and it’s important to have the voice of an out gay filmmaker at the helm. Here, he adapted the work of another writer, and the finished product nicely combines his experience working with young actors, solid casting and appreciation of the importance of relationships of all stripes. There’s value in not only the central romance but in Simon’s connections to his family and friends, as well as the links between them.

As Simon, Robinson ably carries the film, appearing on screen for almost every moment of the movie’s 109-minute runtime. He’s entirely believable in both his vulnerability and his excitement, sharing Simon’s fears and joys with the audience, so we feel them, too. The other young members of the cast are equally strong, particularly “13 Reasons Why” star Langford as Simon’s lifelong bestie, Leah. Their friendship is a key part of the film, giving it additional emotional depth.

However, the grown-ups aren’t forgotten here. Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel play Simon’s parents, and Garner is the adoptive mom I never knew I needed. Tony Hale is a chummy vice principal whose jokes feel like ones authority figures make in high school halls to endear themselves to their students. But the MVP of the adults is Natasha Rothwell as the school musical director Ms. Albright. She’s the best on-screen teacher since Allison Janney in “10 Things I Hate About You,” both unafraid of giving her students shit and a fierce defender of them, as well.

“Love, Simon” is filled with details and specificity, making Simon’s story feel real and authentic in each moment, from the music he listens to to the costumes seen at a Halloween party, elevating it above what could have been the after-school special version of the same story. These characters feel like actual people, giving representation for those that still need more on screen and offering empathy for those outside the experience. But “Love, Simon” never feels like it exists merely because it should; its endearing charm makes it a film that viewers will watch regardless of its valuable social impact. [B+]