Spoiler Alert, this film will make you cry
Ben Aldridge and Jim Parsons (from left) in Spoiler Alert
If we can guarantee one thing, it’s that you will be sobbing by the end of Spoiler Alert.
Billed as a romantic comedy, Spoiler Alert isn’t romantic, per se, but is a real-life story of two men in love facing inconceivable odds and a terminal illness.
Based on Michael Ausiello's book, Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, about his real-life relationship with photographer Kit Cowan, the film adaptation spans Michael (Jim Parsons) and Kit’s (Ben Aldridge) 14 years together.
Despite an inability to convince that more than a decade has passed through the aging of the characters, the grounded performances, authentic love story, and universal themes around life’s challenges and inner acceptance distract effectively.
From the outset, Spoiler Alert borders on clichéd, but somehow never fully trips all the way in, managing to transition between comedy and touching drama effortlessly. The romantic comedy genre is a hard one to crack with so much noise in the space, but this one ultimately succeeds.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the 80s-inspired, meet-cute story is another standout work from the man who recently brought us The Big Sick andThe Eyes of Tammy Faye.
Speaking of standout, Aldridge gives a spectacular performance as Kit – in stark contrast to his rigid turn in M Night Shyamalan’s Knock At The Cabin. The material of Spoiler Alert, in the way its queer story presents itself, is much more suited to his obvious talents. Aldridge shines with great pathos as a flawed man whose life is irrevocably changed when faced with difficult news.
Listen to Popcorn Podcast’s bite-sized Knock At The Cabin movie review
Opposite Aldridge is the likeable Jim Parsons, who’s endearing and nerdy persona might seem same-same on paper, but the actor manages to carve his own emotional path as Michael that couldn’t be further from his The Big Bang Theory turn as Sheldon Cooper. The chemistry between the pair is undeniable.
Bill Irwin, Sally Field, Ben Aldridge and Jim Parsons (from left) play a family torn apart
No stranger to a rom-com, Sally Field portrays Kit's mother with touching grace and strength. The love she exudes is endearing and she effortlessly demonstrates the kind, empathetic and nurturing aspects of her character.
One notably odd piece of casting that moviegoers will either love or find distracting is Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski in a recurring cameo. The film could have existed without this character and, although it does add some importance within one subplot, would have been much more effective with an unknown in the role.
Don’t let the film’s titular tongue-in-cheek reference to the inevitable conclusion put you off seeing Spoiler Alert – you won’t be prepared for how it makes you feel. It’s important to note that yes, on face value, this could be seen as just another story about a gay couple, but it is much more than that. Parsons and Aldridge are believable partners in love and loss, navigating the complexities of acceptance and the unexpected moments in life.
Spoiler Alert will move and delight – surrender to it and see what happens.
