Love, Simon Review

Full disclosure; I didn’t read the book the film is based on, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and now I don’t have to, right?

Because I saw the movie?

Yeah, nope. I added it to my reading list.

Who doesn’t love an angst-filled story about first love? Amiright?

Simon (Nick Robinson) is just like us. His life is totally normal. One might argue more normal than most. His parents (Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel) are still married, high-school sweethearts. His younger sister is a mini Top Chef wannabe and he’s got an awesome circle of friends, one of which is Leah played by 13 Reasons Why‘s Katherine Langford.

Simon also has a secret. He’s pretty sure he’s gay. When Blue, a pseudonymous blogger posts his own confession on a local school gossip site (are these a real thing?) Simon reaches out and the two begin a sort of love affair in letters. Until another student finds out and blackmail’s Simon for his help.

When things go wrong, Simon doesn’t so much come out on his own as he is pushed out against his will. A moment with Simon’s mom after the fact is heartwarming and sincere. With Blue no longer in communication with him, Simon goes for the grand gesture. The payoff, involving a Ferris wheel, is entirely deserved as everything gets rolled into a happy ending.

The film is being described as a gay teen romance, and it does make great strides in that genre, but I’m still looking forward to the time when we can simply call it a teen romance.

I find I’m judging movies more and more on how likely I would be willing to sit through them again. And I would totally watch this one again. Probably more than once.