The movie Bros staring Billy Eichner (a.k.a Craig from Parks and Recreation <3) and Luke Macfarlane (if he looks familiar, that’s because he was also in Single All the Way this last December, which is another movie I heart) came out only this last Friday on September 30th. This movie has been on my watch list since the moment the trailer came on my TikTok fyp, so you best believe I high-tailed it down to the theaters within days of its release. I know, me actually seeing a movie right when it came out is shocking. But, I’m, for real, so on my game right now! But, of course, I wouldn’t have probably had the same gravitas if it had been any other movie. Billy Eichner starring and being one of the screenwriters for this film was enough to get me there, not to mention the hilarious marketing and progressive concept. 

I usually have almost nothing nice to say about movies these days, so I’m really at a loss for words when I don’t have things to complain about (explaining why when I saw the film on October 1st, it took me until today to publish this lol). This is one of those moments as Bros is a rom-com that actually learned from the faults of those who came prior. This doesn’t mean that Bros doesn’t indulge in some common tropes, but that when they do, they usually either revamp it into something more realistic and modern or poke fun at it as well. An extremely vague breakdown of the plot will make it seem very similar to a lot of rom-coms: two characters meet and start to fall for each other, but there are some hiccups along the way that tear them away from a smooth, happy ending; but, don’t let that deter you as the film really is a refreshing take! This is coming from me, who has seen countless rom-coms and become somewhat of an “eye-roller” at all of them. This film also separates itself from the crowd by finally letting an LGBTQI+ couple be the star of the show and not shying away from it and the queer community in general (I will talk more about this later). 

Another great thing about Bros is that it puts the “com” back in “rom-com.” The comedy in this film is next level which I really should have expected nothing less from a comedic icon such as Eichner. The writers make a parody of the Hallmark Channel and gripe against it, which is made 100 times funnier knowing that Luke Macfarlane has been in a bunch of Hallmark movies. Unfortunately for him, in those films, he has to hide his true (rainbow) colors and play the straightest man you’ve ever seen. Not that we would expect anything less from Hallmark. This is only one of the fabulous jokes you will experience while watching this film! There is also a hilarious commentary on the dating scene of today, which could use some comedic relief because it’s so rough out there!

The comedy isn’t the only reason you should make your way to the theaters for this film. You honestly are rooting for every character, and the dating scene depicted is also just so real. I mean, I’ve never dated as a gay man before, but I am a part of today’s dating app scene and the torture of everyone being too emotionally unavailable to be in a relationship. This rom-com has the fresh, accurate setting of modern-day dating that we needed to see on the big screen. The realism gave me hope that there is still some chance of real love in this world, even if it’s seemed to fade away. Too deep? My bad! I’ll go back to my assignment of commenting on the presented media.

I also really appreciate that this film mixed comedy and romance to a perfect level. I feel like most of the time, I am questioning why the two main characters of a rom-com fell in love because they are too busy taking cracks at each other the whole time. In contrast, the building of the two main characters’ romance is actually believable. The comedy only enhances why the two of them fall for each other (if you think this is somehow a spoiler, oh please!) and makes the audience fall in love with them too.

Of course, there is not only comedy in this film as they touch on more emotive scenes as well, without crossing over into “too cheesy” territory. The relatability of Echnier’s character is one of the pieces in this film that really causes connection for the audience and more sentimental feelings. If you are someone who has been treated like they are “too much” their whole life, me included, Eichner’s character is someone you will understand in a heartbreaking way. I definitely shed a few tears, okay…a lot of tears, as I watched a part of myself on the screen when Echnier’s character is struggling with his insecurities. Sorry, too emotional again? See, this is why I don’t review good movies!

Beyond rewriting rom-coms as a genre, Bros also rewrites the way in which LGBTQIA+ romances, and lives in general, are portrayed. There are some emotional, sadder parts, but the film is, overall, heartwarming as opposed to the typical “gay tragedy.” You finally get to see a gay couple be happy instead of having a terrible ending with misery, a common thing seen in media, which should make you question why it’s taking us this long to get here. Along with that, the topic of the LGBTQIA+ community is discussed but isn’t done in a way to make straight people comfortable. There is even a part in which the movie calls that trope out, as it is so common for media to make being gay “palatable” for straight people, even though straight people get to be loud and proud about their heteronormativity. This film is so significant as it is a step closer to the movement of normalizing queer relationships, which should be able to have a place in everyday life just as heterosexual relationships already do. 

I know, I know, me being kind to a piece of media is unexpected, but Bros proved it can be done! So, I guess, to balance all these kind words out, I’ll add a complaint for all of you who hate that I’m praising this movie so hard. My only grievance is that I hate country music, and this complaint will only make sense once you watch the film, so go see it right now! You will not be sorry! Well, actually, you will be sorry if you DON’T see it because I will find you and personally drag you down to the theater myself!

Status: The Garth Brooks of rom-coms (according to the movie, that means the best I guess? Sorry, idk country music)

Kisses,

Elle