Review of Love, Simon (2018) by Tim O — 30 Jul 2018

I thought that we were passed this. Trite scripts with inconsistent characters, plot holes, and unbelievably manufactured relationships that are embraced by the gay community because they feature gay characters.

The number of reviews that praise this film simply because it is a major studio offering featuring gay characters is indicative of the schism that still exists between "gay" and "straight" films.

Featuring gay characters does not make a film good. Love, Simon features absolutely unrealistic adult characters, situations written not for substance, but cliche cuteness, and mediocre acting. I really thought that films like "moonlight" and "Call me by Your Name had catapulted us passed this era of loving films just for their gayness, but this film, and the response to it, indicate otherwise.

If you want a predictable, cute, plastic , feel-good movie that somehow introduces the idea of coming out without even touching on lust or sexuality, this is the film for you! If you will love any film with gay characters, this is a film for you.

If, however, you are looking for substance and authenticity look elsewhere.