Logo for Byte Magazine at Ball State University

‘Love, Simon’ is a fun, but flawed step toward greater inclusion in film

By Ryan Fine With each new wave of social progressivism in America comes a wave of new movies to back it up. This year, we’re seeing a number of underrepresented groups finally come into a well-deserved spotlight on the big screen. Now with Love, Simon, we finally have a film from a mainstream studio that focuses on a same-sex teen romance. As noted by many, the fact that we’re finally living in a time where a movie like this can get a wide release is exciting but, of course, inclusion alone does not a good film make. Could its actual content live up to its social significance and its otherwise lofty hype? It turns out, there’s no real easy answer to that question, and this movie is going to resonate differently with different audiences. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the issues of LGBT people in America today, you’re not going to find it in Love, Simon. But for those who just want a cheesy romantic coming-of-age story that happens to have a gay main character, this movie hits all the sweet spots.

A familiar story in a new light

Love, Simon
Image from IMDb

A fleeting suspension of disbelief

Image from IMDb

Will this actually make a difference?

Love, Simon
Image from IMDb
Love, Simon
Fox Movies

Comments


Comments