Love, Simon Movie Review A Film That's About More Than Just Teenage Angst

Movies

MBE partnered with 20th Century Fox for this Post

There's nothing new about motion pictures addressing topics like teenage angst, sexuality and gender identification, as well as featuring a token gay character or two within the backdrop of a largely heterosexual story line. However, until now there have been few, if any, films which have tackled all three topics in a single project. 

The new movie Love, Simon -- just released nationwide in theaters today --  not only is a media pioneer in sensitively embracing that trio of concepts. It's also a movie about anti-bullying, friendship, family relationships, unconditional love, acceptance and tolerance.

At the Screening Q&A: Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner, Nick Robinson

As the film opens, Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) is surrounded by a loving family which includes his dad (Josh Duhamel), mom (Jennifer Garner) and sister (Talitha Eliana Bateman). He also is part of a group of really good friends who adore each other and do everything together from driving car pool to school to performing in their high school theater's production. 

To the outside world, Simon appears to be just another kid with typical seventeen-year old high school student issues who also loves junk food, works hard in school, goes to parties and hangs out with a solid group of guys and girls. 

But things aren't as simple as they seem. There's a big secret Simon has yet to reveal to his family or even his closest friends: he has come to the realization that he's definitely gay. To complicate things further, he has fallen for an anonymous classmate and they've begun an online relationship without either knowing the true identity of the other person.



The love story that unfolds is funny, suspenseful and heart-breaking all at the same time and keeps the audience guessing until the end of the film. Ultimately, though, what happens is life-changing and eye-opening not only for Simon, but also for his family and friends who love him,  all of whom eventually come to acknowledge and accept who this young man really is with unconditional love. 

Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson's Creek, Brother & Sisters), this is a film which deals with some of the most challenging teenage issues with deep sensitivity and heart.

Here's what Jennifer Garner has to say during the post-screening Q&A about her role in Love, Simon from the perspective of a mom in real life...




Ultimately, Love, Simon is a movie worth seeing, both for age-appropriate kids and grownups. It's a coming-of-age drama, romance and comedy that's all about discovering your true self and falling in love. Rated PG-13 from 20th Century Fox.

About Love, Simon

Love, Simon, which is based on Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel, is now playing in theaters nationwide. For more information visit the official movie site as well as stay in the loop by following the film on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Fellow Mom Bloggers & I with the Cast

FTC Disclosure: I was hosted by 20th Century Fox for a special press screening and Q&A event with the cast as well as received other perks to facilitate coverage and review. However all opinions are MBE's own. See complete FTC Disclosure that appears at the bottom of MBE's home page and at the bottom of every individual post including this one.