MOVIE
Love, SimonNick Robinson, Katherine Langford
Director Greg Berlanti
Simon (Nick Robertson), a closeted high-school senior, has engaged in regular texting sessions with an anonymous class friend, who is also gay. Simon’s parents and little sister are unaware of his orientation, and he’s kept it from lifelong pal Leah (Perth's own Katherine Langford, who produces a respectable US accent).
But Simon’s geeky classmate (Logan Miller) discovers the secret messaging, and threatens to out Simon unless he helps him date a mutual friend, Abby (Alexandra Shipp, who just about steals the show).
Greg Berlanti, a veteran of youth-oriented TV shows like Dawson’s Creek but these days better known for his range of super-hero offerings, directs with aplomb as he uncorks the revelations and setbacks that Simon goes through as he struggles with the burden of living a lie, unable to confide in even his closest friends.
Indeed, he sweetly handles the moment Simon finally blurts out that he's gay — to someone we don’t expect — while the audience is kept wondering about the mystery texter, whose identity is revealed towards the end of the film.
Interestingly, early in the movie, our protagonist jokes about getting together with friends and watching bad ’90s teen movies … yet all the while, Love, Simon essentially is a ’90s teen movie, albeit with a few modern tweaks.
Having a gay lead is a twist from that formula, while the other is mobile phone culture, around which the movie revolves. And in another modification, the typical scene where a guy professes his love for a girl in front of the entire school is given not to the hero, but to the villain.
Robertson plays it mostly straight, as it were. This may be partly because Simon wants to keep his secret, but the storyline also suggests that different hues exist along the rainbow, with a more florid tint provided by flamboyant classmate Ethan (Clark Moore).
In one daydream, Simon ponders whether he’ll somehow turn out even gayer, cueing a fantasy sequence of fraternity brothers dancing to Whitney Houston … with Simon waking up and muttering, “Maybe not that gay”.
Screenwriters Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker should also be praised for emphasising respect for diversity throughout, whether it's from friends and family, or teachers at Simon's school.
Love, Simon is a gentle comedy that deals with sensitive issues with respect and humour. While it's bereft of strong action-themed flavours, it's more than just plain vanilla: it's a film that will inspire empathy for gay teens, and help to embolden them in opening up to cohorts and community.
#lovesimonmovie
