Nobody knows that Simon Speare is gay, and that’s exactly how he likes it. If nobody knows, maybe things won’t really have to change for Simon. But with the leaking of his private emails to an anonymous boy named Blue, everything begins to spiral out of control. Based on the bestselling book by Becky Albertalli, Love, Simon nostalgically portrays high school but also delves into the difficulty of being a teenager, the awkward nature of first love, and the confusion and courage of coming out.
Love, Simon tells the story of Simon, who is suddenly forced out of the closet when a peer reveals his secret to the entire school. Not even truly accepting it himself, Simon is publicly shamed and left estranged from his friends due to his deception. But the hardest part of it all is having to tell his own family, afraid of their reaction or ruining their close relationship. While much of Love, Simon involves the awkward and courageous journey Simon takes to be true to himself, the story also ventures down hilarious turns, featuring uncomfortable situations in a waffle house and spontaneous iced coffee runs. The film brings the small moments of being a teenager to the big screen, which is sure to be relatable for audiences of all ages.
Simon’s story is groundbreaking. Not only is Love, Simon one of the best YA adaptations to be seen on the big screen, but it’s one of the only movies featuring a gay protagonist. Simon’s story is filled with hope, love, and acceptance: three ideals that are needed more than ever in our society. Albertalli’s wonderful story is brought to life with even more charm and emotion, making this a must-see movie. For anyone in need of a good laugh or love story, Love, Simon can offer both, being simultaneously humorous and tragic.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan for Simon, until his world came spinning out of control. With a relevant and important story to tell, Love, Simon begs readers to examine their own lives, how they treat their friends, how they see the LGBTQ community, how they empathize with others, and how they love their own families. Touching, human, and heartwarming are only a few words to describe how truly amazing Love, Simon really is. While it may not be a box office hit, this movie is one that cannot be missed and is so important for unrepresented teenagers who have been eagerly awaiting a positively portrayed character who is smart, funny, and gay. Whether it’s to be moved or to have a good laugh, go see Love, Simon at your local theatre and follow his journey of coming out and realizing that being authentic is one of the most important things in life.