One thing that unites us all is the ability to be loved and understood. No matter the differences, those are criteria which matter. Some would say we could be proud of those. And here we are in the perfect month for that. Parades, mixers and drag shows are for allies too. We have come a long way from 1969 and it is great to see the inclusiveness. I laughed at seeing the trailer for Bros, happy to see ourselves getting an offbeat romantic comedy in theaters. However, there is also a great set of movies and series newly released.
A cute romantic comedy over on Hulu takes us a trip to Fire Island. Directed by Andrew Ahn, we are introduced to a group of friends who vacation for a week every summer in the playground of Long Island NYC. Two main friends Howie and Noah, played by SNL’s Bowen Yang and the film’s writer Joel Kim Booster, met as servers at a brunch restaurant. All those years, their friendship became solid and upon their arrival they plan to make it the best summer ever. That might be because their friend and house-host played by the hilarious Margaret Cho lets it drop that it is their last, since she is losing her home.
Heartbroken at the news, Noah still wants to get Howie to find someone.
While out at a party, the group runs into some well-to-do gentlemen fronted by Charlie and Will. Howie falls head over heels for Charlie; Noah rebuffs Will played by Conrad Ricamora. Noah’s prejudicial banter juxtaposed against Will’s proud cold exterior. And if that sounds like something you heard before, you are not wrong. Jane Austen figures prominently in the narrative.
Despite the bawdier elements, the script weights hard on more romantic inspirations. Regardless of the window dressing of underwear parties and speedo-clad beach bashes, the simple fumblings of new love shine through as well as friendships. The central group, which also includes three others, makes the proceedings feel earnest. My one criticism would be that the three other members get short-shrift in the plot. Besides a late-stage scandal that involves one and another guy they meet, not much is given for them to do. Focus is squarely on Howie and Noah, which isn’t half bad. If you are interested in Booster’s comedic styles, check out his stand-up special on Netflix called Psychosexual. If that is any indication of the brand of humor you will find.
Now if you are looking to watch something with the teenagers in your life, you want to head on over to Netflix for Heartstopper. The recent sensation takes Alice Oseman’s graphic novel and brings it to live. In a town in England, Charlie Spring lives and goes to school. Upon the return of the school year, he is seated next to Nick Nelson, the school rugby captain. A friendship blossoms between them that later develops into more. But where some shows would focus on soapy drama (looking at you; Love, Victor), we are treated to a genuine unfolding of feelings. Nick has never felt anything like this for a guy before. However, he doesn’t want to deny it either. Charlie’s friends aren’t happy about a jock like Nick getting too close to him. More interpersonal conflicts makes this less about the genders of the participants, but more about school cliques and group distrust.
Our leads, Kit Conner and Joe Locke, breathe life into two-dimensional characters. The supporting cast really round out the mains here, especially William Gao as Charlie’s protective friend Teo and his transgendered friend Elle played by Yasmine Finney. Writer/creator Oseman, an asexual woman, makes emotions the center without falling into saccharine territory. Twee in the best way, it will bring a smile to anyone’s face for some happy viewing.
