Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Love, Simon was genuinely groundbreaking when it came out in 2018—the first major studio film to center a gay teen romance, and it treated that story with the same warmth and humor as any other teen rom-com. That matters.

The movie itself is sweet, funny, and well-made. It doesn't shy away from the real challenges of coming out (the fear, the potential for rejection, dealing with homophobia), but it also doesn't wallow in tragedy. Simon gets to have a love story, supportive friends, and parents who come through for him. The blackmail subplot adds tension but may be intense for younger or more sensitive viewers.

For LGBTQ+ teens, this can be incredibly affirming representation. For straight kids, it's an accessible entry point for building empathy and understanding. The film works as both entertainment and education, which is rare.

It's now a few years old but hasn't aged poorly—the themes are timeless even if some of the technology and references are slightly dated. If your teen is ready for conversations about identity, acceptance, and what it means to be true to yourself, this is a strong choice. Just be prepared for some emotional moments and maybe have a conversation ready afterward.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17, particularly for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers. Younger kids may not have the emotional maturity to process the coming-out narrative and blackmail subplot, while older teens will find it most relevant to their own social world.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Models kindness, acceptance, and the importance of being true to yourself. Centers on healthy family relationships and supportive friendships, though navigates the emotional complexity of coming out and dealing with blackmail. Tone is warm and optimistic despite the challenges Simon faces. Shows consequences for poor choices (friend betrayal) and models apologizing and making amends.

Imaginative

58

A fairly straightforward rom-com structure without particularly innovative storytelling. The anonymous online relationship adds some mystery element, but overall it's a traditional teen romance narrative. More focused on emotional realism than creative world-building or imaginative scenarios. Doesn't particularly invite creative expression or exploration beyond empathy.

Safe

72

No graphic content, violence, or sexual scenes. Some mild language and teen drinking at a party. The blackmail subplot could be emotionally intense for younger viewers. Deals with homophobia and the fear of rejection, which may be triggering for some LGBTQ+ youth or stressful for those not ready for these themes. A few emotionally charged confrontations and moments of social cruelty. Overall appropriate for teens but has some heavier emotional moments that require maturity to process.

Enriching

85

Landmark film for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream teen cinema. Builds empathy and understanding around coming out experiences. Addresses important themes of identity, authenticity, family acceptance, and allyship. Shows diverse responses to coming out (supportive parents, varied peer reactions). Provides valuable representation for LGBTQ+ teens and education for straight peers. Strong emotional intelligence and character growth throughout.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Landmark representation: A gay teen gets to be the hero of his own mainstream love story, not a side character or tragedy
Models healthy family dynamics and shows parents who work through their initial surprise to be genuinely supportive
Addresses the universal teen experience of feeling different and wanting to fit in, making it relatable across identities
Balances serious themes with humor and warmth—it's not a 'issues movie,' it's a genuinely entertaining rom-com
Provides valuable mirror for LGBTQ+ teens and window for straight peers to build empathy and understanding

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What to Watch For

The blackmail subplot is emotionally intense and may be stressful for sensitive viewers or those dealing with their own identity questions
Some homophobic language and attitudes from peers (portrayed negatively but still present)
Drinking at a teen party and some mild language throughout
Coming out scenes may be triggering or emotionally charged for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their own journeys
Best watched when your kid is ready to process themes of identity, authenticity, and social acceptance

Conversation Starters

"Simon's friends had different reactions when they found out. What do you think makes someone a good friend during tough times?"
"Why do you think Simon was so scared to come out, even though his family ended up being supportive?"
"The movie shows how exhausting it can be to hide part of yourself. Have you ever felt like you couldn't be fully yourself somewhere?"
"What did you think about how Simon's parents reacted? What would you want parents to say in that situation?"
"Martin blackmailed Simon, but he thought he was just trying to get a date. When does pursuing what you want cross a line?"

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