Dope

Very few films apart from Love, Simon manage to accurately depict the feeling of being a closeted gay teen. Based on the bestselling novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, director Greg Berlanti’s adaptation introduces us to the roller coaster that is Simon Spier’s life after he develops an online crush on a fellow closeted classmate at his high school who uses the alias “Blue.” While trying to figure out who “Blue” is, Simon also juggles collapsing friendships, potential blackmail, and his undisclosed sexuality. Love, Simon is acclaimed for being the first film distributed by 20th Century Fox that centers around an LGBTQIA+ teenage romance.

Note by Rami Gross.

In person: Introduction by director Gil Junger.

In person: pre-screening conversation with co-writer, director Brian Dannelly.