I absolutely adore this film! It’s very old school in a way but very refreshing at the same time as its story revolves around two gay schoolmates and the friendship between them that you won’t even mind that there’s not a single whip of romance in it and I loved it for that! Not every gay guys are out there are looking for their “one true love!” I also loved the fact that there’s nothing remotely sexual about it. It’s just about two high school boys trying to fit in or in Ned’s case, trying to get through high school.
At first though, I find it a bit Glee-ish but then it transitioned so fast when Ned, the bullied outsider and Conor, the star athlete transfer student started to interact with each other. They have such amazing chemistry and that it’s easier to root for both of them.
There’s a ‘scene’ here that I did not like in so many book characters and even most recently, from the movie Love, Simon when one of the characters outed the closeted character. It was not cringy at all here. It was actually heartbreaking because it felt like Ned did it out of necessity, being fed up with the bullying and the feeling that he’d finally have the upper hand just for once. It wasn’t right but at that moment, for him it must be some sort of vindication. As he was narrating the whole film, he said that this story is about his ‘most embarrassing moment’ ever. This must be that moment.
The conclusion was not exactly what I was expected because it felt a bit rushed but I appreciate the sort of a happy ending the movie has given us. Also, It’s just so good to know that a lot of LGBTQ+ films are now being produced for mainstream viewing!
Director: John Butler
Cast: Fionn O’Shea, Nicholas Galitzine, Andrew Scott, Moe Dunford, Michael McElhatton, Ruairi O’Connor, Ardal O’Hanlon, Mark Lavery, Jay Duffy, Jamie Hallahan
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
PADDYLAST INC. 