Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
Directed by Greg Berlanti
Written by Issac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger
Starring Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel
Out on DVD and Blu-ray™ NOW
So, what’d we think?
John Hughes (The Breakfast Club), Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and John Green (The Fault in Our Stars) are among some of our favourite coming-of-age directors and thanks to Love, Simon, we are officially adding Greg Berlanti (Riverdale) to this list.
With a LGBTQ character at the helm, a film that would usually be reserved for an indie audience finds its home on the big screen. Love, Simon is a smart, witty and refreshing story that follows seventeen-year old Simon (Nick Robinson) as he embarks on a complex navigation of high-school politics, first-love and self-acceptance. Hitting you right in the feels, this romantic AF story is the kind of film you wished you’d had around when you were a teen.
As fans of the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, we can confidently say that this adaptation is as close to perfection as it comes thanks to great writing and an exceptional cast. Robinson is dynamic as Simon and his charming persona is only amplified by the array of characters that make up his inner circle: Katherine Langford as Leah, Alexandra Shipp as Abby and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Nick.
The groups friendship + the sweet romance Simon shares with the mysterious ‘Blue’ are the real reasons you need to watch this film. The cast also shares great on-screen chemistry that coupled with the characters witty (and at times awkward) banter has officially cemented these relationships as some of our favourites in the YA world.
On the topic of characters, the supporting cast round out this film wonderfully. Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel star as Simon’s liberal and down to earth parents who have filled their home with love and laughter. The duo are a perfect match and act as a reminder that even LGBTQ children who come from happy homes can still struggle with their coming-out journey.
It would be remiss not to mention that the ultimate comic relief comes from two teachers who populate Simon’s school life, played by Tony Hale and Natasha Rothwell respectively. They steal every scene and will have you gasping for air with their no-bullshit, slightly strange attitudes to teaching.
Packed with quotable one-liners and lead by a likeable cast, Love, Simon will have you laughing and crying from start to end.
But, should you see it?
100% yes – we’ve already watched it thrice!
Love, Simon isn’t just your run of the mill teen rom-com, but a delightful romance that lands with young and old. Set to an incredible soundtrack, this really is the full package.
Buy it yourself to see
- Deleted Scenes
- The Adaptation
- The Squad
- #FirstLoveStoryContest Winner
- Dear Georgia
- Dear Atlanta
- Audio Commentary by Director Greg Berlanti, Producer Isaac Klausner and Co-Screenwriter Isaac Aptaker
- Gallery
I have heard so many amazing things about this movie. I think I have to see it. I have a few books I have read in recent times – young adult fiction – that I would love to see made into films. Because of the subject or the characters sexual orientation, it always felt a bridge to far to have those films made. But this could be the start of more diverse heros and heroines on our screens. So exciting!
It actually looks like a really funny, emotional movie. Would be a great teen movie, I’m not sure whether I would go and see it 🙂