BY NISA SYED
*Warning: Spoilers
Coming out to family and friends provides the utmost of relief for teenagers and adults; however, the decision to follow through with it is difficult.
Love, Simon, a film directed by Greg Berlanti, is based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda written by Becky Albertalli. The story focuses on Simon Spier, a closeted gay teenager who, despite having a great family and circle of friends, struggles to live normally with his secret. However, Simon’s life turns around when Blue, an anonymous student, comes out online. Simon takes a shot in the dark and confides to Blue about his homosexuality. Simon’s journey begins here, spiraling into a young man’s fight for love.
Love, Simon has been dubbed “the most important film” because unlike films reflecting the struggles of homosexuality such as Call Me By Your Name or Blue is the Warmest Color; Love, Simon is a family-friendly film that portrays the life of a regular teenage boy residing in a regular suburban town. Simon is a character that many teenagers can relate to from the realities of social order to friend zones to that amusing school principal. The plot starts off with Simon’s online relationship with Blue. Subsequently, Simon’s secret is accidentally revealed to his classmate who blackmails Simon into helping him impress one of Simon’s friend, Abby. The plot is unlikely to occur in real life, but Simon’s unease reflects the conditions of a high school student. Furthermore, halfway into the film the audience notices that Simon’s closest friend, Leah, has feelings for Simon and struggles to tell him. Near the end of the film, Leah angrily confesses her feelings for Simon. The audience can relate to the realities of “friendzones” and rejection. Falling in love is beautiful and scary, but it can be even scarier when you’re forced to hold a broken heart.
Love, Simon captures the essence of high school in a nutshell. It nicely depicts the pros and cons of being a teenager with both emotion and humor. High school is hard as it is, but it’s even harder when you can’t be yourself.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
