Movie Review

'Love, Simon': trailblazing gay teen romcom plays it safe

Films that are ahead of the pack in putting relevant social issues in the spotlight are often predictable in their approach — this one included

01 July 2018 - 00:00 By tymon smith

As a genre, Young Adult (YA) has often allowed for the examination of difficult social issues through the eyes of its young protagonists - sexuality, dealing with loss, the difficulties of relationships, the impermanence of friendships and the acceptance of difference are just some of those that spring to mind from successful recent examples.
In the series space, shows like the hugely popular 13 Reasons Why, On My Block, American Vandal and Pretty Little Liars have successfully satisfied teen and adult audiences with their mix of comedy, suspense and drama to explore issues affecting teenagers in the increasingly high-speed, multi-identity, modern world.
Greg Berlanti's adaptation of Becky Albertalli's book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda fits into this tradition and makes use of several recognisable stars of the YA television audience in what is the first mainstream YA cinema look at the issue of teenage homosexuality and the difficulties that young gay people must face when coming out to their parents and friends.
WATCH | The trailer for Love, Simon..

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