Article contributed by Erin Fagan
Movies that are adapted from musicals often tread on uneven grounds, trying to capture the essence of the drama that plays out on stage. And while that is near impossible to emulate the magic of live theatre, The Prom, the new Netflix musical directed by Ryan Murphy, manages to bring the joy of the Broadway show to viewers at home. It is not perfect, but it’s the fun LGBTQ musical escape that this year needs while set in the hard realities that so many queer people have to deal with in their lives.
In the small town of Edgewater, Indiana, the PTA has canceled prom to keep out Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman), a sweet lesbian who just wanted to go to prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa Green (Ariana DeBose), who is planning on coming out to her mother (Kerry Washington). Emma’s classmates are constantly cruel to her and quickly make her a scapegoat for the prom cancellation. Meanwhile in New York City, after their new musical flops, Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden), two narcissists that crave the fame they once had, are desperate for good publicity. After seeing the story about Emma on Twitter, Barry and Dee Dee flock to Indiana with two other Broadway stars, Angie Dickinson (Nicole Kidman) and Trent Oliver (Andrew Rannells), hoping to convince the town to change their ways and defeat homophobia. The stars burst into a PTA meeting where Principal Hawkins (Keegan-Michael Key) is explaining how this homophobic decision has become a civil rights case, and break out into a bodacious musical number, completely cementing the divide. Thus begins hilarious antics as the Broadway stars try to connect to the town while being clearly out of touch, not only with the people of Edgewater, but also with what Emma wants.
Some of the plot structure is messy at times and there are plotholes, but overall, the messages ring clear. The film explores the disconnect between “liberals from Broadway” mindsets and closed-minded conservative beliefs in a way that mocks both outdated bible interpretations and performative activism. The stars rush into a situation that they know very little about with the misguided idea of being able to change the world with celebrity. Their lack of knowledge and narcissism ends up creating more obstacles for the movement, which has been a real-world issue as well. It was also refreshing to see some of the problematic ideologies behind homophobia, and the ways that they can manifest in daily life questioned and challenged head-on. You may not be able to end homophobia with a song and dance, but it is a start.
Although nothing can compare to the original powerhouse cast of the staged production, the movie cast gave strong performances. The four stars worked very well together, playing for well-earned laughs, while finding authentic ways to help Emma. Meryl Streep was a fabulous diva as expected, and Andrew Rannells embraced his role as a musical theatre hip mentor. James Corden seemed to push a more stereotypical “gay” American accent which was offputting and a conversation for a different article, but Barry’s emotional journey was well done and provided a nice reflection of Emma and Alyssa’s coming out stories.
Ariana DeBose and Jo Ellen Pellman shine, especially in their more emotional beats, and they stand strong among the larger stars. Emma and Alyssa’s stories felt a bit more underdeveloped than I was expecting though and it was unclear why they shortened a couple of their songs, out of all the songs in the film. A lot of the information about the two characters we receive from other characters and I would have liked to hear more directly from them. The movie would have been stronger by giving more screen time to their backstories and relationship, but the two actresses had great chemistry and you still want to root for them. Emma and Alyssa are extremely charming together and left me wanting more of them.
For the most part, the songs are incredible bops and drive home the different messages at play. Some are very idealistic, some are purposefully over the top, and others emphasise the lengths that Emma and Alyssa have to go to hide their relationship. For many of the large numbers such as “Changing Lives” and “It’s Not About Me”, it was easy to feel like you were falling into a world in the Broadway stars’ minds with colourful lighting and extravagant performances. Other songs revolving around the teens and the town are much more rooted in reality and have less flashy lighting but still have a lot of heart. “Dance With You” was especially a standout, with beautiful cinematography and setting, and a much-needed focus on Emma and Alyssa’s love for each other, even though they cut out the last few lines that were in the musical which was disappointing.
In the song “We Look to You”, Principal Hawkins calls musical theatre an escape, following with “a distraction is momentary. An escape helps you heal”. I believe this sentiment fits this movie very well. It doesn’t ask you to ignore all the issues in the world, but can be very healing. The Prom is at times unrealistic and you must suspend your disbelief at times, but its heart is in the right place and it brings a level of hope that we need. The movie doesn’t quite reach the sharp humour and the emotional impact that the musical does but it comes close. In a world where so many people are still scared to be themselves and love who they want, escaping to a world where you can fight that bigotry through song can create a healing space. The Prom forms a world for LGBTQ people to see themselves and know that they are not alone.
Overall, The Prom balanced the Broadway-esque fun with the realistic fears surrounding homophobia and coming out in high school, while still remaining hopeful. The optimism is infectious and sweeps you up in the magic. Perhaps it can even kick start important and sometimes difficult conversations for families and communities. Movies like this matter. Speaking as a queer woman, although the movie seemed a tad idealistic and messy at times, it felt like a love letter to the LGBTQ community. With witty humour, catchy music, and emotional depth, The Prom will put a smile on your face and give you a huge rainbow hug.
