Before the last few years, films that saw the silver screen only represented one main group of people. There was no diversity, and the thought of different groups being represented on screen was, sadly, frowned upon by people. But, throughout the recent years, diversity in the film industry has been on the rise; with the OscarsSoWhite hashtag, which then prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to include more diversity in their awards. Another example lies in the 2018 Times Up movement, where women are fighting for equal rights and pay in the film industry. The idea of diversity has been shown in many recent movies, from 2017's sleeper hit, Oscar nominated (and winning) horror film Get Out, to the smash-superhero-hit Black Panther, and most recently: Disney's A Wrinkle In Time, with a black woman sitting in the directors chair and one of the most diverse casts in the recent years. LGBTQ+ has also been seeing representation on the silver screen, a prime example being 2017's Academy Award winning Call Me By Your Name. With a lighter plot, a lot more humor, and a rapidly entertaining plot, Love, Simon delivers a great comedy while showing the representation of LGBTQ+ on the silver screen at the same time. The film tells the story of Simon Spier, a high school senior who happens to be "in the closet." When another gay kid comes out anonymously to the school, Simon starts to email the kid, and they start to develop a sort of email relationship. As things start to become more complicated, Simon starts to question who he is, and if this person could really be the one. The film is constantly entertaining, and I did not find myself bored from the opening logos to the end credits. The film is hilarious, and just a feel-good movie, with a great ending, and great performances from all actors and actresses. The film has a strong message to deliver, and delivers it in a light but heavy way; which is the best way to deliver this message in a PG-13 film. You can tell that the film is specifically crafted for the teenage audience, because the film feels like a two-hour special of a teenager TV show, which can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. But overall, Love, Simon is a entertaining film with a great plot, strong performances, and a great message, a message that is greatly needed in 2018, a year where groups are rising up to reach a world of equality. And just for that, the film deserves heavy praise in itself.
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