As queer culture has become more mainstream, steamy gay sex scenes, passionate forbidden affairs and other things that were previously taboo are hitting screens.

But not until this thoughtful, beautiful portrait of a young man’s struggle to come out have we seen a truly honest, heartfelt attempt to provide insight into the LGBTQ community.

Love, Simon is the most authentic film to ever be released that explores what it’s like to be gay in high school, and lead Nick Robinson’s multi-dimensional, charismatic lead performance is top-notch.

Kudos to Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner — who play parents to young Simon — as well as the young cast, who all excel in this film about a difficult topic.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Love, Simon is that it can be both a teaching tool and pure entertainment. As a queer film critic, I can honestly say I’ve never connected more to a film.

Young Nick Robinson makes you feel Simon’s desperation, his happiness, his love and his uncertainty. It’s a tearjerker, a rom-com and a character study all in one.

It’s also a front-runner to be the crowd-pleaser of the year.

5/5 Stars