I was lucky enough to see “Love, Simon” during its opening weekend. “Love, Simon” is a coming of age film featuring a gay protagonist. It follows Simon on his journey to coming out and finding Blue, the boy he’s been anonymously emailing for months. It’s a sweet Rom-Com with a lot of heart. I wrote an article about my excitement for the movie when the trailer came out last year. “Simon Versus the Homo Sapiens’ Agenda,” the book the movie was based on, has been one of my favorite reads in a long time.
Becky Albertalli, the author, really gave a lot of depth and love to her characters. I was not at all disappointed in “Love Simon,” it kept the same plot as the book, and it has this timeless vibe like it could be as crucial years and years from now as it is today. But the movie was just based on the book; it kept the same bones but changed a lot of the skin of the novel. I’m going to discuss the changes I like and the changes I didn’t appreciate, so prepare for spoilers.
First the changes I liked:
1. Ms. Albright
Ms. Albright was a main character in the books, but the movie strengthens her character and makes her role more crucial. Ms. Albright provides comedic relief – which she didn’t supply in the book – but she also stands up for Simon after the offensive display of two of his classmates. I appreciated the ways they made her more dynamic and the way they let her shine at a crucial moment in the film.
2. Dance Number
The dance number is impossible to get across in the book, but it’s a great moment in the movie. It reminds me of the dance number in “(500) Days of Summer,” it has the same satirical vibe. The dance is set to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and it’s just a fun a colorful moment that picks fun at another coming of age films, but also serves its purpose.
3. Simon's Love Interests
The fact that Simon ever thought Blue could be Martin always annoyed me immensely, so I am glad this was not even an option in the film. Instead, they made a new character for Simon to be interested in and it makes more sense than having Martin as an option.
And now, the changes I didn’t like:
1. Bram
Bram’s character was so watered down in the film. I understand that “Love, Simon” has a lot going on and a lot of people to give screen time to, but Bram is essential. I think Keiynan Lonsdale did terrific with Bram's character. He was able to make Bram’s barely there character loveable and charismatic.
2. Martin
Martin’s character was so much more villainous than I ever thought he was. When he tells Simon about the emails he’s screenshotting and his plans to share them with the school if Simon doesn’t set him up with Abby, his entire demeanor is so skeevy. I felt that in the books he was someone the reader could empathize with, but in the film, I didn’t feel for him at all.
3. The flow of the film
The events of the movie, especially the end, differ so much with the flow of events in the book. I understand they were working on a time restraint (though I would have watched six hours of this film), but the way Simon’s coming out coincided with his friends distancing themselves was inappropriate. I think they did it this way to make Simon rely on his parents more and set up that particular moment with Jennifer Garner, but it rubbed me the wrong way.
All in all, “Love, Simon” wasn’t perfect, but it was really good and so important for queer kids all over the country. Representation matters and this film could really spark acceptance throughout the country. It’s not just a “gay” film; it has a character for everyone. I think it’s vital that everyone watches and supports this film, because if it does well, then we’ll see more movies like this.
