Romantic comedies are not my favorite genre, but when they focus on the hilarity of relationships grounded in real awkward, silly moments, they are rewatchable standouts. Bros, directed by Nicholas Stoller and written by Stoller and Billy Eichner, keeps the comedy flowing. The endless banter between Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) as they navigate a relationship is hilarious and sweet. Bros is a must-have for any rom-com collection and is one of the best in years.
Bros Shows A Perfect Imperfect Pairing
Bobby is content with being alone till he meets Aaron. Aaron enjoys hooking up with men and the freedom single life affords him. But as they talk, their fondness for each other grows. Both also have insecurities. Aaron, a lawyer, is into working out, and his usual taste runs to more muscular men as opposed to Bobby, who is older and less burly. Aaron feels boring personality-wise compared to Bobby and his coworkers. Bobby is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, even opening a museum on LGBTQ+ history, while Aaron is not as vocal or informed. Though an unlikely pair, they complement each other.
The acting between Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane is outstanding; the perfect blend of humor, awkwardness, and affection. Their romantic scenes have hilarious awkward fumblings as they get to know each other. You get swept up in the story because you see yourself in the characters in Bros.
Comedic Movie References Galore & LGBTQ+ On Display
Bros is meta-hilarity at its finest. Reminiscent of the Scream franchise, I love a film that pokes fun at the genre their movie resides in. There are references to well-known comedies and rom-com, as well as obscure Hallmark movies. Fitting when you realize Luke Macfarlane’s done several Hallmark Christmas films. Plus, they criticize casual homophobic humor in popular comedic films (do better Hollywood).
The LGBTQ+ community is front and center thanks to Bobby and Aaron’s friends and Bobby’s job and coworkers. As such, there is an array of different people, all with other priorities when it comes to representation at the museum. There are gay, bi, and trans people with jobs that challenge the system and people who want to live away from the frontlines. Not every person in a community is an outspoken advocate.
A Story That Focuses On Gay Men Living Life
Neither Bobby nor Aaron are in the closet regarding their sexual identity in Bros. It is lovely to see a story from a major studio focusing on what happens long after coming out. Hurdles still exist, and like any relationship, there are a lot of mismatches before finding the one. Plenty others prefer remaining single. Bobby fits the latter with a personality best described as crotchety. Aaron is happy coasting and not prone to scenes or uncomfortable conversations, while Bobby is not one for silence. It highlights a real, common issue in relationships.
The Familiar “Be Less” Ask
The traits people fall in love with are also the ones they ask you to change. If you’re loud, they love you for being passionate and outspoken till the setting changes. Then it’s “tone down,” “be less you,” or “be the quieter version of you,” and it hurts beyond words. You wonder if your partner never liked that part of you or if they feel embarrassment. Differences are why people fall in love, but one partner often wants those differences relegated to a specific time and place, adorned or removed like a costume when the set changes. That is a standout for Bros; you can recall a similar past in Bobby and Aaron’s romance and challenges.
Do not let the scores on IMDB fool you. Homophobes scored the movie low before it was even released worldwide, so it is a safe bet they did not see the film. The movie not only lifts your spirit but fans the flames of protest because it is a tragic world that would want to see fantastic cinema like this disappear in lieu of the same homogenous storytelling. Great for people who want realistic characters traversing the sweetness of love with the comedy and awkwardness the journey entails, Bros is a rewatchable gem in any season.
