Synopsis:
The breathtaking, generation-defining Broadway phenomenon becomes a soaring cinematic event as Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt reprises his role as an anxious, isolated high schooler aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social-media age.
The words toxic and problematic are just a few of the hot-button words that have been frequently used by media and society alike over the past decade or so. When you hear them used, there’s usually a certain type of person or environment that has reserved seating in your head. In the media, the words are usually reserved for specific topics and instances as well. Depending on where and how you grew up, the images may vary, however, there is an image that doesn’t readily come to mind. At least in our society, you’re more than likely not going to picture a quiet, shy young man who keeps to himself and makes good grades. Hell, nine times out of ten, the person I described is usually on the receiving end of these negative scenarios. We even claim to live by the phrase, never judge a book by its cover, but seem to constantly fail at that task. More and more we find ourselves in a state of cognitive dissonance as what we thought we knew about people is challenged on a daily basis. Consistently the villain no longer always looks like an intimidating figure and the hero may look like a demon. I say all that to say, be careful who you trust because, in nature, some of the most beautiful, docile, or unassuming creatures are the most dangerous.
“The parts we can’t tell, we carry them well, but that doesn’t mean they’re not heavy.”
If you loved Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, you’re sure to love it on the big screen. I personally have never witnessed the Broadway musical but I can say with certainty that I did not enjoy its screen adaptation and you shouldn’t either. It’s not that the film doesn’t look good or isn’t well shot. It’s not the acting, well, not all the acting. It’s even rather funny at times, as high school awkwardness often is. But the messaging along with its titular character is rather toxic, radioactive even. Now does the story have good intentions? Initially, I think it did. Nevertheless, they created a situation so foul that it eclipses all positivity to the point where there should be no redemption in sight, especially once you break it down after the fact. In reality, Evan Hansen would’ve been pummeled for his actions or at the very least, trolled into oblivion. I’m not saying that it would be the right thing to do, but he repeatedly stuck his fingers in an open wound, and more times than none, that’s going to receive a negative reaction. What makes this film a catastrophe is, not only is he not punished for his actions but what should have been a journey of teachable moments, becomes a festival of lies and the good that comes with them. What began as a tale of a young man struggling mentally to find his place in the world, quickly and melodically turns into a sociopathic story of getting the girl at all costs.
Hansen goes from someone we can all relate to, to the most unlikeable person and no amount of tears or guilt should change your mind. Subsequently, it is increasingly difficult to write off Hansen’s immaculate blunders as an adolescent mistake as Ben Platt looks far from an adolescent, it’s actually pretty distracting. After all the hype, I really wanted to like this film. Its messages of togetherness, solidarity through struggle, and the normalization of discussing mental health are wonderful and necessary. Unfortunately, the selfish, manipulative, and despicable nature of how the story unfolds paired with the lazy and undeserving redemption arc, made me want to yell furiously at the screen. The songs, while well-written, feel abrupt and out of place at times, and one of them is clearly just wrong on every level. I know some are going to see this regardless of what I say, but I just hope you recognize how problematic and self-serving this story really is. But to play off the title of the film’s first song, Waving Through A Window, you can indeed wave through a window because this film is a sing and miss. Its rewatchability is low.
Pacing & Pop
The pacing of this film is oddly upbeat for the type of story it is. However, that could also be due to the focus of the film being on the rise of a sociopath. The only thing that popped for me was the performances of Kaitlyn Devers, Amy Adams, and Julianne Moore, and Amandla Stenberg. They are the only thing palatable about this film.
Characters & Chemistry
Sheesh, Evan Hansen has to be one of the most detestable characters I’ve ever witnessed. Initially, you want to want to feel and understand everything he is struggling with. He can’t make friends because it’s difficult for him to interact with others. His single mother, Heidi (Julianne Moore) works her ass off but isn’t home a ton due to her schedule, and he’s on a bunch of medication along with seeing a therapist. But he doesn’t appreciate his mother and royally ruins his good-guy qualities. Not to mention, some of Ben Platt’s acting choices are offputting. Honestly, the story should’ve been told from the point of view of Alana (Amandla Stenberg). It could’ve been essentially the same but the positive message it wanted to convey wouldn’t have been corrupted. Plus, she did a great job. Kaitlyn Dever also did an amazing job as Zoe. She continues to prove that she is one of the best young actresses. Amy Adams as the grieving mother, Cynthia felt odd at first. However, you remember that she’s playing a mother who lost her only son and the look in her eyes makes total sense.
Dear Evan Hansen releases in theaters on September 24, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Writer: Steven Levenson
Music & Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Producers: Marc Platt, Adam Siegel
Executive Producers: Michael Bederman, Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 17m
Rating: 1 of of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
