Love, Simon (2018)

Though I haven't read Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I was very excited about Love, Simon. Maybe it's because I'm a sucker for LGBT movies or because I've heard so many good things about this film, but I just couldn't wait to see it.

The film is about Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a teenage boy who leads a pretty normal life, apart from the fact that he is secretly gay. When an anonymous boy who goes by Blue writes on the high school Tumblr-like page that he is gay, Simon decides to email him under the name of Jacques and they eventually bond. Unfortunately, Martin (Logan Miller), a quite unpopular kid, accidentally stumbles across Simon's emails, screenshots them and uses them to blackmail Simon into helping him get Abby (Alexandra Shipp), one of Simon's friends. While trying to handle his blackmailer, Simon also attempts to discover the true identity of Blue and come to terms with his identity.

The plot itself is rather predictable and clichéd, not to mention how dumb it is --the whole "mess" happens because Simon does a, not know how to log off of a computer and b, not know better than using a school computer to write those secret emails-- and the ending is far from being realistic and way too cheesy for me and yet the story works. It is touching, moving and heartwarming, and it is relatable whether you're straight or gay.

The characters aren't that deep either. While Simon is a better-rounded character with some depth and development --the inner struggle could have and should have been explored better though--, the supporting characters are nothing but one-dimensional stereotypes, not to mention that the relationship between them isn't that deep either --the only reason Simon, Leah, Nick and Abby seem to be friends is because they like iced coffee or whatever they are drinking. And yet they serve their purpose in the story, and they are all quite likeable. Even Martin who is just an outcast who wants to fit in. Sure, he tries in the wrong way but he isn't a cruel person.

20th Century Fox

The main reason the characters still manage to be likeable is probably the cast as most of the actors do a pretty good job. Nick Robinson (Jurassic World) gives a vulnerable and touching performance as Simon, and he really allows you to understand the character better. Also worthy of a mention is Katherine Langford, (Hanna from 13 Reasons Why). She plays Simon's friend Leah, and though the character is very thin and she doesn't have a lot of screen time to shine, she steals the show as she delivers one of the most powerful lines in the film.

Speaking of which, Love, Simon has pretty awesome dialogue too. I think this is the first time I see a teen movie where the characters/actors aren't forced to say dumb things. Most of the dialogue in here is clever and so well written that not even Jennifer Garner, who plays Simon's mother, manages to ruin the speech toward the end.

Sure, the film has its problems but it's the kind of film that makes you feel good while delivering a powerful message of love and acceptance. It is pretty much the clichéd be-who-you-are message but it's delivered in such a way that it feels refreshing.