I reviewed the book (published in 2015) this movie is based on back in 2018, which feels like another lifetime ago. I found the characters smart, likeable, and far more quippy and quick-witted than I could ever manage, and the story an entertaining slice of teen life, with complications.
All of this holds true for the movie version, which came out the same year as the book. I caught it on Disney+ and have watched it three times now, most recently just yesterday, because watching this movie is like hugging the world’s softest, friendliest puppy.
I never reviewed it, because I am very lazy when it comes to movie reviews.
But I’m reviewing it now, because it’s fresh in my mind, and it is very faithful to the book, right down to the characters all being adorable, yet believable.
The only significant change from the book that I noticed (it’s been six years, there are probably more) is the musical in the story they perform at Creekside High is Cabaret instead of Oliver!, perhaps because Cabaret better known and offers more sizzle for the rehearsal scenes.
Seeing, rather than reading, about Simon’s teen life, underscores how on the surface everything is great–his family is well-off, they all love and support each other and Simon even admits his family would likely be fine with him announcing he’s gay. So unlike coming out stories from three or four decades ago, this one is less about being accepted as gay (although there is a smidgen of that) and more about keeping secrets, finding your identity, first love, and the value of friendship. All things that are perfect grist for the teen angst mill. Yes, that’s what I said: the teen angst mill.
The movie never wanders far off from its lighter touch, but when the bottom falls out on everything for Simon before the final act, you can’t help but feel bad for the guy and the foolish decisions he’s made.
Another thing I like is the cringy way they show teens acting. I remember high school. I was a cringy teen. The music is different now, but those vibes are eternal.
One of my favourite bits (and spoiled in previews) is very early on, where Simon is sitting in his car in the driveway and watches a very hunky gardener across the street with a weed whacker. He calls out to him about how he likes his boots, then instantly realizes how dumb that sounds. It’s delightful.
The whole film is delightful. I’ll probably watch it again someday. Yes, it’s aimed at high school teens, but it’s just so warm and fuzzy–and witty–that I can’t help but be drawn in. Maybe part of it is nostalgia. For all the changes in the last 40 years, this movie still captures the high school experience in ways that I can recall vividly.
Highly recommended, especially if you just want to watch good people go through some ups and downs, then triumph in the end.
Random trivia: Strange as it may seem, this was the first major studio film to feature a gay teen romance. 2018!
