Although it is comedically uneven there is no question that Love, Simon is a heartfelt exploration of what it means for a young man to come out publicly as gay.  The story’s protagonist, Simon (Nick Robinson), has “a big secret,” one which he is not yet willing to share with family or friends, but circumstances and his own mistakes conspire to force his hand before he is ready.  Simon’s whole world changes immediately — but perhaps not as negatively as he expected.

Greg Berlanti’s film follows Simon as he strikes up an email friendship with an anonymous student at school who states that he is gay, but is also afraid to come out publicly.  It is knowledge of this email relationship which eventually becomes public, forcing Simon to tell his parents (on Christmas morning!), before facing all the other students he has been fooling for years after the holidays.  And then he begins to settle into his new life as the school’s known gay guy.

Much of the drama surrounding Simon rings absolutely true, although Simon is so well-adjusted that extreme reactions are not even brought into play (and that is a good thing).  I had more trouble with the comic aspects of the story, in particular one character who is mostly cringe-worthy — although even he has some fine moments.  What strikes me most about this story is how Simon is able to communicate clearly with people he barely knows at all, but is secretive and even deceitful with the people closest to him.  Being a movie, this eventually becomes a life lesson.

Love, Simon benefits from very likable characters whose relationships are realistic and convincing.  Viewers see and understand things that Simon doesn’t, which makes him seem dumber than necessary, but perhaps more endearing because of it.  It is a very relatable story told with generous helpings of charm and wit.  What is perhaps most inspiring is the lack of judgment shown by Simon’s peers; he’s a curiosity for a while but that passes quickly.  If only real life were so forgiving and forgetful.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  12 April 2018.