The Boys in the Band (2020)

The Boys in the Band: Directed by Joe Mantello. With Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Matt Bomer, Andrew Rannells. At a birthday party in 1968 New York, a surprise guest and a drunken game leave seven gay friends reckoning with unspoken feelings and buried truths.

“If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog :)u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSo, first and foremost, I didnu0026#39;t know a single thing about this film nor the play itu0026#39;s adapted from. As usual, I also didnu0026#39;t watch the trailer or any clip. Based purely on the cast and the synopsis, I actually expected a fun, lighthearted movie, where an important story about sexual orientation and homosexuality would definitely be developed. While Iu0026#39;m not entirely wrong on the last part, The Boys in the Band is far from being one of those Sunday afternoonu0026#39;s flicks people occasionally put on their TVs to entertain guests for a couple of hours.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt possesses two distinct halves. The first contains one of the most captivating introductions to the characters and the overall narrative Iu0026#39;ve seen this year so far. From the very start, Mart Crowley and Ned Martelu0026#39;s screenplay is packed with interesting conversations, and every actor is able to elevate their script by being incredibly realistic and spontaneous. Each character has a clear personality, and their relationships are cleverly established. Itu0026#39;s definitely one of the best films of the year regarding character development since every single one is explored beyond just one or two lines of characterization. Technically, the one-location set always pleases me, and it works beautifully in the context of the movie since it never deviates the focus from the characters and their personal stories.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHowever, the second half couldnu0026#39;t take a more shocking turn. The once lighthearted tone drastically changes after Alan (Brian Hutchison) enters the party. An uneasy, uncomfortable atmosphere fills up the apartment, and it never leaves, not even after everythingu0026#39;s over. Itu0026#39;s an emotionally heavy, even tiresome story that takes every single character to their absolute limit. Secrets are revealed, omitted truths (those that everyone saves deep inside not to hurt their friends) come out, and alcohol plays a good part in all of this. Nevertheless, itu0026#39;s not really one of the filmu0026#39;s central themes, even though thereu0026#39;s a clear message regarding that subject as well.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHomosexuality (how it was and still is treated by society) is undoubtedly the narrativeu0026#39;s primary topic, but I believe u0026quot;sexual orientationu0026quot; to be the ultimate theme in The Boys in the Band. In fact, an even more general analysis concludes that the main message follows the u0026quot;accept who you areu0026quot; and u0026quot;donu0026#39;t be afraid or ashamed of what you enjoyu0026quot; guidelines. Consequently, it becomes a more accessible movie since it never feels like itu0026#39;s closing itself, excluding people outside of the target audience. Everyone can (and should) enjoy the filmu0026#39;s thematic component since the debates that characters have with each other are extremely meaningful for todayu0026#39;s society.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe chaos that dominates the apartment feels surprisingly genuine and natural, creating a comparison with what occurs daily, everywhere in the whole wide world. The writersu0026#39; treatment of homosexuality and sexual orientation is profound and really well-developed, exploring those phases that thousands of people go through: confidence, shame, uncertainty, acceptance, and so much more. Honestly, if someone feels uncomfortable while watching this movie, then someone must be wrong with that person. Yes, it deals with preconceived notions, sexual discrimination, and many other aspects related to this subject. However, in the end, itu0026#39;s not a film exclusively about homosexuality but about people accepting themselves for who they are without fear or shame.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe cast and the characters they portray are what make The Boys in the Band such a great movie. I canu0026#39;t go into details about everyone, otherwise, this review will never end, but I do have to mention a few. Zachary Quinto (Harold) portrays Jim Parsonsu0026#39; (Michael) frenemy and his weird, philosophical, enigmatic interpretation as the birthday boy steals the spotlight on several occasions. Brian Hutchison is incredible as Alan, the u0026quot;ugly ducku0026quot; of the whole situation, whose sexual orientation is questioned throughout the entire film. Hutchison does a great job of never leaving the viewer clearly see through him. Everyone else is terrific, but I offer a final shoutout to the hilarious Robin de Jesús (Emory) and the always fantastic Matt Bomer (Donald).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eJim Parsons delivers a performance thatu0026#39;s on a whole other level, though. If he doesnu0026#39;t get awards buzz, I genuinely donu0026#39;t know what else an actor needs to do to achieve that. Just like the narrativeu0026#39;s structure, Michael also has two distinct personalities, depending on the level of alcohol in his blood. When heu0026#39;s sober, Parsons shows that quirky side of him with his funny facial expressions. When heu0026#39;s drunk, he becomes verbally violent, aggressive to his friends, and a terrible host. Heu0026#39;s the catalyst of the story, the engine of the whole movie. Without him, nothing happens. Parsons takes that responsibility and delivers a memorable performance, one of the very best 2020 has to offer.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs mentioned before, Crowley and Martelu0026#39;s screenplay is exceptionally well-written, possessing tremendously entertaining dialogues. I donu0026#39;t think Iu0026#39;ve ever watched an adaptation of a play that actually convinced me to want to watch the latter. However, itu0026#39;s precisely due to The Boys in the Band being a play-to-cinema adaptation that I have the following issue. The moments where a live audience is supposed to clap or repeat a catchphrase are way too obvious, taking me out of the film on those occasions because I feel like somethingu0026#39;s missing or a character is forced to u0026quot;replaceu0026quot; the nonexistent public.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMy other issue is related to Michaelu0026#39;s game in the second half of the film. It pretty much occupies the last hour, and while it starts in an interesting, emotionally compelling manner, it gradually becomes monotonous and way too predictable. It becomes a tiresome cycle where everything thatu0026#39;s supposed to happen, occurs without major surprises. Some unnecessary flashbacks also stretch the runtime, besides being the only moments where the viewer leaves the suspenseful, tense apartment, which I didnu0026#39;t really appreciate. In the end, two storylines are left open to interpretation, and I couldnu0026#39;t love these narrative decisions more. Thereu0026#39;s no right answer, only our own interpretations.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAll in all, The Boys in the Band is one of the best play-to-film adaptations Iu0026#39;ve seen in quite some time. It actually convinced me to see the original version if I could, which is a statement to how much it impacted me. Yes, itu0026#39;s a movie that focuses on homosexuality and sexual orientation. However, it never feels exclusive to LGTBQ+ viewers, much on the contrary. It transmits a general message of acceptance and self-worth, something everyone can connect with. Mart Crowley and Ned Martel deliver a screenplay that treats its themes in an astonishingly genuine, meaningful, natural way, creating a clear analogy with not only the 60s but also todayu0026#39;s society. Every conversation is fascinating and engaging. Characters debate essential subject matters that everyone should listen to and learn from. Regarding character development, Joe Mantellou0026#39;s film explores its characters more than any other 2020u0026#39;s flick so far. Every actor incorporates his role perfectly, but Jim Parsons deserves a few awards for his emotionally powerful display. Occasionally, the adjustment of moments where a live audience would interact doesnu0026#39;t quite work. The second halfu0026#39;s game becomes repetitive and predictable, extending the runtime for a tad too long (also due to unnecessary flashbacks). The two ambiguous storylines that end the movie are the cherry on top of a really good cake, which I definitely recommend to everyone to take a bite. Youu0026#39;ll undoubtedly get something out of it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRating: B+”