“Love, Simon” has garnered a lot of attention for being the first studio movie to feature a gay protagonist, and the milestone is being celebrated by Xavier Dolan. The writer-director is one of the leading voices in contemporary queer cinema, and he took to Instagram to praise the Nick Robinson-led teen romance after its opening weekend.
“Let’s not discuss the movie itself, but rather focus, on its existence and the fact a major studio has released a film on a teen coming out,” Dolan writes. “A door has opened, which has opened before, but this time, I can see the light pouring in.”
“I’ve watched so many LGBTQ films as a kid, desperately looking for answers, locked up in my room…Most of them were brilliant and invigorating for the young artist I wanted to be, but left the young man I was with little to hope for,” he continues. “Suicides, heartbreaks, bullying, gay-bashing. ‘Love, Simon,’ in all its earnestness, in all its normalcy, shows the struggle of coming out, but with an inspiring conclusion for teenagers who will see ‘Love, Simon’” because they don’t feel “normal”. Perhaps this will teach them that, even if their life isn’t as privileged as Simon’s, they can make a move.”
Dolan goes on to write what a gift the film would’ve been to him if it came out when he was 15 years old. He says the movie will be a “huge step” for those teens struggling with their identity and looking for a film that speaks directly to them.
“Love, Simon” is now playing in theaters nationwide. You can read Dolan’s love letter in the Instagram post below.
