Bros: A Mainstream Rom-Com That Proudly Plants A Rainbow Flag Into The Genre
Bobby is a neurotic podcast host who's happy to go on Tinder dates and content not to have a serious relationship. That all changes when he meets Aaron, an equally detached lawyer who likes to play the field. Repeatedly drawn to each other, both men begin to show their vulnerable sides as their undeniable attraction turns into something resembling a commitment.
Billy Eichner is the latest comedian to get the Judd Apatow treatment, but he’s the first one out of the bunch to make actual history with his project. Bros, a Rom-Com that boasts both balls and heart, co-written by Eichner (who also stars) and director Nicholas Stoller (of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors), marks two major milestones in cinema history; it’s the first studio film written by and starring an openly gay man (Eichner), but more importantly, it’s the first gay Rom-Com, featuring an all-gay principal cast (in both gay and straight roles), to be released by a major film studio. It’s honestly surprising that it’s taken this long, but it’s admittedly refreshing to see Hollywood make a move toward wider inclusivity. It helps that it’s funny, too.
The film enthusiastically plants its rainbow flag into the genre with true “we’re here!” energy and seeks to restore and celebrate gay love stories, both of the now and then. It manages to be both genuinely entertaining and informative, providing great gags (one of the best involves a cameo from Debra Messing) and eye-opening insight into Queer history, but it also assumes a pretty familiar shape and falls right into some of the genre traps it affectionately poke fun of, specifically Hallmark-style Christmas movies (like actor Luke Macfarlane starred in). It’s cheesy in a self-aware way, which mostly works to Bros’ benefit, but it can be frustrating in the moments where it falls prey to the standard tropes and conventions. It sometimes feels a bit too sappy when it leans all the way into the familiar comforts of the Rom-Com, but its charms end up being more potent than any qualms about gooey genre beats.
The true test of any Rom-Com boils down to the chemistry of its couple, and Bros’ has that on lock more than anything. Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane have a When Harry Met Sally kinda vibe to their opposites-attract relationship; their bond forms very organically, and it’s very enjoyable watching them grow closer. They each play their respective characters well and do a great job juggling comedy and romance. The film gets pretty silly, but it’s always anchored by moments of sincerity that both actors sufficiently sell. It’s cheesy and gooey, funny and familiar, progressive and predictable, but it warms the heart in the right ways and proves to be more gratifying than grating.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of the creatives involved and are looking for a fun Rom-Com to snuggle up to, Bros will bring the feel-good genre vibes with a heavy dose of laughs and a side order of history.
What do you think? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!