Why Everyone Needs to See “Love, Simon”

With “Call Me By Your Name,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Isle of Dogs,” and a slew of other insanely good cinematic productions, 2018 is quickly shaping up to be quite a big year for the big screen.

Lately, however, one film in particular seems to be sparking a significant response from both fans and foes: “Love, Simon.”

Directed by Greg Berlanti and adapted from Becky Albertalli’s YA novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” the film premiered in mid-March and is quickly gaining popularity. Complete with a cheesy love story, a glamorized (and, honestly, pretty false) portrayal of high school parties, a rowdy football game (of course) and a cliché scene of a student longingly staring at the clock watching the minutes tick by, “Love, Simon” is just like every teen-based rom-com ever produced.

Except for one difference: The protagonist is gay.

It’s rare nowadays for a teen rom-com—or any teen movie in general, honestly— to be claimed “genuine cinematography” or labeled “poetic cinema,” but “Love, Simon” seems to be the exception.

The heartfelt and truly touching plot, which focuses on Simon Spier and his sometimes askew methods of navigating high school life as a closeted 17-year-old, transcends the dated idea of a “normal” love story and, because of this, resonates with its audience time and time again.

Part of the reason for its rather unusual popularity since its premiere in mid-March most likely stems from the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in recent popular culture. Whether it’s teens struggling through similar issues or adults reminiscing on their own experience or parents of LGBTQ+ youth reflecting on pain they were previously blind to, people are finding themselves in the movie’s characters. As the producer, Berlanti, is gay himself, there is also an honest and apparent air of sincerity and honesty to “Love, Simon” that would otherwise have been lost in translation.

Prominent celebrities who, likewise, have recognized their stories in Simon’s—or those who just believe in the power of minority representation— are taking action to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to view this must-see film.

Stars like Matt Bomer, Kristen Bell and Neil Patrick Harris are buying out theaters in their hometowns in an attempt to make the screening available for all people, while simultaneously urging everyone to go.

“Love, Simon is a KNOCKOUT. There are so many important stories that don’t get made. I am so grateful this one did,” actress Bell said.

This movie is a corny, overdone, cliché rom-com, but no matter how much you may detest that particular genre, it’s the first popular one that’s based around a gay love story and that makes it absolutely worthy of seeing. Honestly, it’s about time for kids to see themselves in a character and not feel ashamed or alone. As the movie suggests, it’s about time for straight to no longer be the default in both cinema and society.

So, grab a friend, family member or no one and head to your local theater, buy some popcorn, sit down, and get ready to laugh and then cry (a lot).