Giddy, ‘normalized’ gay romance in ‘Love, Simon’

Nick Robinson plays the quiet, closeted gay teen.

Centering on gay awakenings and their ramifications, the teen drama “Love, Simon” sensitively tackles sexuality issues that aren’t necessarily new to the millennial set. But, as the film suggests, every coming-out story is different and personal—so it’s a welcome and empowering tale for those struggling with acceptance issues, whether with oneself or with the world.

In the Greg Berlanti film, technology plays a big part in Simon Spier’s (Nick Robinson) growth, his e-mail exchange with an anonymous gay boy from school, nicknamed “Blue,” giving him an outlet to freely talk about his long-hidden attraction to fellow guys.

He hasn’t even told his closest friends, Leah (Katherine Langford), Nick (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) and Abby (Alexandra Shipp) about this, opting instead to pour his heart out to this person he’s never met.

Enter the annoying aspiring actor, Martin (Logan Miller), who discovers the correspondence in a library computer after Simon forgets to log out. So, a blackmail situation commences.

There are dream sequences that help enhance Simon’s fantasies about the mystery boy Blue—whenever he thinks he’s actually met the person, he includes them in the scenarios in his head. But, that is jarring at times, probably the only thing that keeps the story from being truly smooth and seamless.

Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel play Simon’s parents.

Mostly, it’s light and enjoyable. Perhaps it’s also a sign of the times when parents are depicted as more open-minded and accepting of their gay kids. Simon’s interactions with the “perfect” mom and dad (Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel) movingly project sincerity.

And, as with most depictions of gay characters revealing their orientation, there are some bad consequences, but “Love, Simon” revels in the good. It refreshingly tells the tale of this confused but optimistic teen. The protagonist also gets to figure out the kind of gay person he might be. And one of the possibilities is shown in a sprightly dance number inspired by Whitney Houston!

It’s also a plus that Robinson gives Simon just the right combination of emotions—the youthful and expressive 23-year-old actor disarms with a smile or a grin, and conveys confusion and excitement with a meaningful glance.

Through his charm and subdued presence, he manages to imbue Simon with an authenticity, or an accessible familiarity, that lets his growth and giddy romance be seen in an aptly “normalizing” perspective.