I watched this with one of my friends from Uni and I am still reeling from it many hours later. It's iconic, life giving, and everything I never knew I needed to see on a big screen. I laughed so hard I cried, and I cried so much my face needed a grade a certifiable ShamWow to clean it up. Maybe I'm too sentimental, maybe I'm still feeling the high from this film, but it is a grade A romcom drama that gets what being a part of this community is like and it is well worth the watch. You can tell it was a creation of love, and whether you're part of the community or not I am sure you can appreciate and enjoy this film.

About a month ago, a friend invited me to a preview screening of Love, Simon. At the time I thought it’s just okay, and I let myself be overtaken by all the second-hand high school embarrassment the movie caused me. Perhaps a deliberate move: being too cynical to not allow myself to enjoy the film and be left exposed like that to someone again. But I knew that Love, Simon was a story that needed to be told, to be seen, to exist. I went to the theatre to see this again, only that this time by myself. For the most part because I was very subconscious of what people close to me would say if they saw how this movie affected me, what would they ask, what would they think to themselves? And partially because when I went to see Thelma (2017) with someone I barely knew I had an actual panic attack about 10mins into the movie and I’ve avoided that person ever since. What I realized this time is that despite the rom-com clichés Love, Simon is telling a truth that rings to anyone who has gone through his experience: it constantly feels like you’re holding your breath from time to time until you feel like you can finally exhale –and sometimes, the process repeats over and over again. Throughout the movie you see Simon struggle, not because he doesn’t want to be who he is because in the end he’s proud to be that person but because he’s afraid of things changing once everyone around him learn his truth. Trying to hold onto the relationships you have even when it means lying to everyone constantly because despite how much you may hurt them and how much it hurts you, the mere idea of things changing just because of who you truly are is even worse. Being paranoid and constantly subconscious of what people might think if you do or say something or that they might figure it out. And the loneliness and fear that inherently comes with all of it. I went to see it again but solo to deliberately allow myself to take it all in despite the effect it could possibly have. And it did give me second-hand high school embarrassment again, but it also brought up a lot of high school «trauma» and I cried. And then I cried more because I realized what this movie will mean –and already does– to a so many people. Had this been straight, I wouldn’t have cared a bit. But seeing a story as common as this on such a big mainstream production, I can’t help it but care because it’s been long overdue.

If you're going to come out then go for it because everyone deserves to be themselves. I really enjoyed this film, loved how it all fitted together after the guessing game that it portraits and It came out with a strong message along with a great cast. Love, CinemanicBonkers.

I've watched a couple of sexuality themed films now, but this is by far the best. Many of the others are often so dramatic that they may frighten people to come out the closet. This is the first film I've ever seen that demonstrates my point of view: Nobody has to make any announcement. Straight people don't announce their sexuality, and so gay or bi people should not feel obliged either. And yet, it still doesn't encourage anyone to hide who they are, because nobody should have to feel that way either! It was a nicely balanced look at a young lad coming to terms with his sexuality, and dealing with the relationships with his friends and family. I love the mystery in working out who 'Blue' was in the emails. We know it's one of his school mates, but as the audience, we're constantly trying to work out who it is, while convincing ourselves "there's bound to be a twist.... or is there?" And we begin to wonder if we will ever find out who this mysterious person is.... But I'm not gonna spoil it. Watch it, and find out for yourself! The most important aspect of this film is that throughout all of it, it's very light-hearted. Even though it does take you on an emotional journey, it's never afraid to put plenty of comedy in there. Even in the most heartbreaking scene, you got a good gag.... And that's brilliant, because that represents life... Those who think miserable dramas that show constant doom and gloom are representative of real life are very negative people. It's refreshing to see a gay-themed film that doesn't make you depressed! The great thing about this film is that you care deeply about all the characters. The casting was excellent, because the acting was believable throughout, and gave depth to even some of the smallest parts. Very well written. The camera work was also fantastic too, because it didn't go overboard with any artsy-farsey shots or constantly had objects pointing in the middle of the screen just so they could use that annoying focus pull that every modern camera operator seems to use these days. The film did what it was supposed to do: Tell a good story. And quite frankly, it is one of the best films I've seen this year.

While the film does fall prey to the occasional cliche, it is still much better than the usual Hollywood fare when dealing with coming out stories. There is much to recommend here for anybody, regardless of sexuality, but despite being a good film overall, I hope it is also one that inspires others to be true to themselves. Love, Lee.