The Thing About Harry

The Thing About Harry is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama movie premiered on the Freeform network in February 2020. This movie marks a significant landmark in Network Television's portrayal of LGBTQ+ love stories, particularly tales of romance that transcends the barriers of sexual orientation, everyone can relate to.

The film starts with Jake Borelli starring as Sam, an openly gay high-schooler who deals with bullying from his peers, principally Harry, a high school jock portrayed by Niko Terho. Remarkably, the movie does not allow this conflict to be the dominant theme of the story; instead, it focuses on the evolution of the lead characters as individuals and in their relationship to each other.

The movie brilliantly showcases emotional maturity, as it explores Sam's growth from a vulnerable teen to an independent man. The protagonist gives life to the character of an intelligent, ambitious, likable, and deeply empathetic young man who is determined to stand tall amidst adversity.

The other leading character, Harry, is portrayed as a good-looking, a bit narcissistic but ultimately lovable jock who is dealing with the awakening of his sexual identity. He's not the same guy we meet in the beginning. As the movie proceeds, we watch him grow, and his transformation from being the high school bully to a mature and sensitive man gives a whole new perspective to his character.

Aside from the leading men, we cannot overlook the outstanding performance of Britt Baron, who stars as Stasia, Sam's best friend. Her lively, honest, and comically charming performance captivates the audience. Her supporting role provides a refreshing and earnest perspective that intrinsically connects the narrative.

Sam and Harry's relationship trajectory, going from enemies to friends, to something more meaningful is at the core of this movie. Their journey ranges from a shared high school past to a cross-country journey and an unlikely friendship that unfolds dramatically. Unaware of what the future holds, the story unravels a captivating uncertainty about their relationship – is it friendship or is it love?

Stunningly, The Thing About Harry does not merely fixate on the coming out story; instead, it focuses on the intricacies involved in constructing a feasible romantic relationship. It shines a spotlight on validation, acceptance, forgiveness, and, above all, the significance of coming to terms with one’s own self. The movie addresses the concept of pansexuality in a respectful and enlightening way, adding a different dimension to the LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.

As much as The Thing About Harry is about two men falling in love, it's not just a gay love story – it's a love story, period. It doesn't shy away from discussing the issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, but rather it deals with these complexities with grace and humor, making it a delightful watch for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. The film is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and love.

The movie's setting is predominantly in Chicago, encompassing different seasons, revealing the passage of time in the narrative. The director wonderfully uses these elements to evoke the right emotions and moods required for the story. Eye-catching visuals, combined with a feel-good sound score, make the whole viewing experience pleasurable.

The Thing About Harry is beautifully scripted and directed by Peter Paige, who marvellously orchestrates the story in a way that keeps the audience engaged. His insightful handling of delicate subjects, commitment to genuine representation of characters, and the ability to extract impressive performances from the cast, add a different charm to the film.

In essence, The Thing About Harry is a modern romantic narrative that resonates with its audience, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is a gentle reminder of the universality of love – how it flourishes, transforms, and challenges us, revealing the beauty of being human. Its strength lies in its formula of heart and humor, keeping it light-hearted while dealing with emotionally intricate situations. It is indeed a promising tale of love, laughter, and self-discovery.