I rarely review but *had* to after reading other comments.
This is one of those movies written and directed by the same person, and often they crumble but this doesn't, so here's why you should give it a go.
Each actor plays convincingly - it does feel like the kind of heart-engaging, off-centre ensemble of an unearthed John Hughes 80s cladsic, as the leads do have the dawning ability to 'radiate' at times to camera.
All LGBT films get diverse reviews. Some people just don't get it. Even those who are LGBT have their own quite unique trajectory because it is mostly an introspective experience. That kind of coming out, alongside teen romantic projection, is conveyed charmingly here. It's not here to shake foundations. It's seems here to add warmth to a body of all to few LGBT films. A light touch uses gentle charm and occasional funny gags but focus remains on conveying confusion only some experience, but all would do well to be aware of.
If you want arthouse style and pathos watch Another Country, A Single Man, Priest (the UK one starring Linus Roache) or The Lost Language Of Cranes. All gems, but darkened by layers of tragedy. They are utter classics but not the most optimistic for a newbie.
Slightly lighter but still in the arthouse to an extent are the wonderful Call Me By Your Name and the very moving yet humble and verbally explicit Weekend, which is as much about an LGBT sense of difference and disconnection as it is about love at a tricky time.
This movie takes a gentle tone and would be ideal for someone finding courage to face the issue, or for adjusting relatives to gain a bit of lighter perspective. It walks a delicate balance of trying to acknowledge inner disorientation whilst retaining a perhaps idealised teenage warmth which many straight films have been privileged by. Yes, straight people, you have been blessed enough to coast with that so much you hardly even realise it is there but LGBT people notice it. This click is a bit like an American 'Beautiful Thing'. It has charm, if you let it in.
It gave some giggles here and there but I was more invested in the lead character's journey than needing it to make me chuckle. It is moving though, and I recommend it as one of the most 'comfortable to watch in straight company' gay films.
Some reviewers forget a person coming out can sometimes be hypersensitised as much to overt sexual imagery as their adjusting relatives. This movie would stretch that a *little* bit, but still be in the well intentioned comfortable zone.
Netflix could be a bit more brave with their gay films, but there is a place for this also. That they launched this movie is a great baby step. It deserves some kindness. Just chill and have a smile, then reflect.
