“Love, Simon” [Review]

“Who you are to the world is pretty terrifying because what if the world doesn’t like you?” —Simon Spier

Mia Tucker, Contributing Writer|April 11, 2018

“Love, Simon” is a must see film about one teenager’s deepest secret. This movie, dramatic and really funny, is far more than the common coming of age story.

With a killer soundtrack and a relatable storyline, “Love, Simon” has the potential to be the next blockbuster movie. The plot revolves around Simon Spier, an emotionally troubled teen, skillfully played by Nick Robinson. Simon’s life is seemingly perfect, with a loving family, a great house, and amazing friends …except that he holds one big secret — he’s gay.

Simon tactfully maneuvers his complicated teenage existence while living a double life. Reading an article on his school’s blog, he finds an anonymous piece explaining that someone else has been carrying the same secret he has. Relieved, he reaches out to that person via email.

(Photo via Flickr, Creative Commons)
“Love, Simon” is a must see film about one teenager’s deepest secret. This movie, dramatic and really funny, is far more than the common coming of age story.

Fantasizing about who it might be, Simon develops a relationship of sorts with the anonymous person. But he gets careless, and his emails are discovered by one of his classmates. This student, with the power to out Simon’s deepest secret, uses it to his own advantage.

Along with the panic of being found out and pursuing the unidentified emailer he calls “Blue,” Simon finds himself caught in a web of lies with no escape and alienates himself from his best friend, exquisitely portrayed by Katherine Langford of “10 Reasons Why.” Dodging the heightened emotional stress of teenage life and battling social insecurities, Simon finds himself on a journey that leads to an unexpected place.

“Love, Simon” is not your average coming-of-age film; there’s something real about it. Rather than merely portray the struggles of high school, it shows them through cringe-worthy scenes and engaging moments. The constant ups and downs of not only teenage but adult life are presented with compassion and lots of humor. The movie delves into the loneliness and alienation we all feel and illuminates the molds that society believes we should fit into.

This film makes you relive moments of your own life with that of the characters, providing insights you didn’t have before. “Love, Simon” is a must see with its laugh-out-loud moments. Viewers will definitely be leaving the movie surprised, and with a smile.

You won’t be disappointed.