Day #9 - Alex Strangelove

Alex Truelove wants to lose his virginity to his girlfriend Claire before graduation, but starts to question his sexual identity when he meets Elliot.

The first time I watched this film, I did tune out and I didn't finish it. I don't know why though, because I did enjoy it this time around. Maybe it's because it followed Love, Simon, which is very hard to live up to. But this is a good movie.

Now, this movie has run into some controversy with many accusing the film of bi-erasure. In one scene Alex's best friend, Dell, insinuates that Alex has to choose - is he straight or gay? Dell is very dismissive and states that Alex can't be bisexual, he's just scared of sleeping with his girlfriend. The film also shows Alex making out with Elliot whilst still dating Claire, further pushing the stereotype that bi people are cheaters. And, whether Netflix intended this or not, it does very much say that bisexuality is a stepping stone to being gay.

This may be partly due to the fact that every character is wonderfully flawed. It portrays the thoughts that teenagers have towards sex and sexuality. I like to think that Netflix was just trying to portray the misunderstanding that a lot of teenagers have (or at least used to have) about sexuality which is why it comes off prejudiced in some parts. Or maybe I'm just giving it the benefit of the doubt.

As I said, every character is unapologetically flawed. Every single one of them does something wrong, no one is entirely likeable. This adds a sweet level of charm to the movie.

I did like Alex Strangelove, but I also don't think it will be one that I'm desperate to watch again. Definitely a nice film for a rainy day though.