"Love, Simon" cleverly navigates through classic teenage rom-com clichés while breaking new ground as it follows Simon, a closeted gay teenager, through his journey of self-discovery and love. Directed by Greg Berlanti, this mainstream film deftly balances humor and emotion, offering a revolutionary portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences within the familiar framework of high school romance. Through Simon's clandestine correspondence with an anonymous classmate named "Blue," the film explores the complexities of identity, friendship, and acceptance with heartwarming sincerity.
“Love, Simon” is a mainstream-styled teenage rom-com that cleverly employs the familiar tropes of the genre while breaking new ground with its LGBTQ+ narrative. Directed by Greg Berlanti, known for his work on popular television shows, the film embraces clichés such as the nerdy Vice Principal, high school parties, and supportive yet somewhat clueless parents. However, what makes “Love, Simon” stand out is that it tells the story of a young, closeted gay teenager’s journey towards coming out.
The film introduces Simon, played by Nick Robinson, who appears to lead a normal life with a supportive family (Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel), caring friends, and involvement in the Drama Club. However, Simon harbors a significant secret—he is gay. The movie takes on a radical and inclusive approach to the coming-of-age genre, utilizing the familiar teenage romance framework to tell an LGBTQ+ story.
Simon’s internal conflict and fear of how coming out might change everything form the core of the narrative. The plot thickens when Simon engages in a secret correspondence with an anonymous student, “Blue,” who is also grappling with the challenges of coming out. The identity of Blue becomes a central mystery, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the characters’ emotional journey.
The film takes a unique turn when Drama Club member Martin, portrayed by Logan Miller, discovers Simon’s secret and blackmails him into helping with a romantic pursuit. Simon becomes a reluctant puppeteer in the complex landscape of high school romances, leading to confusion, hurt feelings, and emotional chaos. The stakes are high, with the potential revelation of the correspondence threatening to jeopardize Blue’s identity.
Berlanti’s familiarity with teenage territory, as evidenced by his work on shows like “Dawson’s Creek” and “Riverdale,” shines through in “Love, Simon.” The film captures the intensity and depth of teenage experiences, portraying the characters’ neuroses and the importance of romance in their lives. The screenplay, by Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker, strikes a balance between humor and emotional depth, creating a film that resonates on multiple levels.
“Love, Simon” is positioned as a mainstream film for teenagers, breaking away from historical coming-out narratives that often involve torment and tragedy. The movie marks a significant departure by presenting gay characters as central figures without resorting to stereotypes or sidelining them as sidekicks to heterosexual leads. This approach aligns with recent strides in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema.
The audience’s enthusiastic engagement during a preview screening speaks to the film’s success in creating a cathartic experience. In one poignant scene, Simon’s mother tells him, “You can exhale now, Simon,” encapsulating the sense of relief and release that the film provides. “Love, Simon” is not just a teen rom-com; it is a long-overdue exhale, a milestone in LGBTQ+ representation, and a celebration of self-discovery and acceptance.
