Love, Simon

This is quite possibly my favorite movie ever made, without being overly dramatic. This is the first time a major studio has backed this kind of coming-of-age movie. This movie tells the story of a gay teenager who wants a good love story. This movie shows this in a unique aspect unlike anything we have yet seen in cinema, let alone major cinema. Simon is gay, but is not questioning his sexuality, having troubles at home, or being bullied at school... instead, he is trying to decide the best way for him to come out, and attempts to find the identity of a fellow closeted kid at his school. The Rom-Com is an appropriate way to show how even in a perfect world, coming out can be difficult or scary. This movie does this without being overly hilarious or awkward, instead, it shows us very real reactions to real events/situations. I saw this movie multiple times in theaters to support the staff and studio who dedicated itself to such a great piece of work. I am now purchasing this movie 1. because I am in love with it... but 2. to financially support the staff and studio. Please purchase, enjoy, and continue to support this film.

I am a transgender teenager currently going though my social transition in high school. Even though I do not share the specific experiences of Simon in this movie, I believe that any young LGBTQ+ person can relate to the fear and relief that comes along with coming out. When I watch this, it brings me back to the times that I would pace back and forth in the bathroom because it was the only place that no one would walk in on me trying to figure out whether or not I should just shout my identity to the world or stay safe in secret. I have never seen a movie that so accurately reflects any of my experiences as a young person that has to worry about a lot of things my classmates don't. I would like to thank everyone who worked on this movie for being a resource for so many young people in the LGBTQ+ community who can finally see their stories told.

There are 5 distinct features of this movie that make me appreciate what it is doing for gay media: 1) The very obvious and well executed modern gay romantic comedy - it's a delight and never too cringe-worthy. As a side, I have been too bitter about the lack of gay romantic movies (that have happy endings) to be able to enjoy most onscreen hetero romances. Sorry. 2) Happy endings. Most of the popular gay movies have deep emotional trauma or have unhappy endings for one of the protagonists. Perhaps pain is the manifestation of love that is needed to make gay love approachable for lucrative heterosexual audiences, but I'm not a fan of this phase in history. Love Simon is unique in that Berlanti opened a door to mainstream happy endings for gay couples. 3) This movie highlights that people have powerful reasons to be closeted, even when parents and friends are completely ok with gay people. This movie paints an idyllic life around Simon and accurately presents how and why difficulties coming out still emerge. 4) Budget. This movie was cheap to produce and is a success. I hope that it paves the way for Dumbledore to be gay on screen. 5) Nick was believable.