Love, Simon has been one of the big queer movies of recent years. But is it one that we should be adding to our list of queer cinema classics?

What’s it about?

Based on a novel by Becky Albertalli, screenwriters Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger provided director Greg Berlanti with an uplifting story of teen life in the United States.

The story of the film follows Simon (Nick Robinson) as he navigates the ups and downs of coming out.

What makes it a good movie?

There’s a lot to like about Love, Simon. It’s smartly written and the pace of the movie is nicely judged.

If you’re a gay guy, there’s also a lot to identify with in this story, or elements that you perhaps wish that you could identify with  –  if we could go back and have another go at coming out to friends and family.

This isn’t just a movie for gay guys though, there’s plenty in this story about family, friends, and school that will resonate with you whatever perspective you’re coming from.

The cast is particularly strong. Nick Robinson is incredibly likeable in the title role. Keiynan Lonsdale gets to shine as Simon’s love interest, while Tony Hale and Natasha Rothwell get the best of the supporting roles as teachers at Simon’s school. Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel – as Simon’s parents – make this look easy,  hitting the emotional moments with perfect judgement and guaranteeing plenty of tears.

Love, Simon

How realistic is Love, Simon?

It’s easy to by cynical about the view of the world that Love, Simon presents. It is a fairy-tale, complete with happy ending. Maybe that’s what coming out is like for some kids today, but for most people it’s not  –  for most people the reality is a lot tougher, and lot more complex.

But you could say that about any fairy-tale. Love, Simon is a fantastic opportunity for us all to embrace our happily-ever-after. Happy endings are not something out of the reach of young queer people. If you’re in your teens, just beginning to navigate through what being queer means for you, then you deserve to aspire to happiness just as much as the next person.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find friends who get you. There’s nothing wrong with wishing that you went to a school that supported you. There’s nothing wrong with hoping that your family will accept your sexuality without any drama. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming of one day falling in love and perhaps finding someone who falls in love you. There’s nothing wrong with fairy-tales.