Just as we come off our Love, Simon high, Netflix steps up to the plate with their own take on questioning high schoolers.
In the new coming-of-age film Alex Strangelove, produced by Ben Stiller, we meet way-cute, wide-eyed high school senior "Alex Truelove" (played by Daniel Downey) who seems to have it all.
Life seems pretty sweet for young Alex until his girlfriend (Madeline Weinstein of Beach Rats) begins to pressure him about that major teen milestone – losing his virginity. Suddenly, Alex isn’t so sure about which team he plays for.
Adding to the confusion is "Elliott," a gay teen (played by out actor Antonio Marziale) who clearly sparks an interest in Alex.
Here’s the official synopsis:
High school senior Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny) has it all – the grades, the girlfriend (Madeline Weinstein), and the motley crew of hilarious friends. Everything is smooth sailing until Alex shares that he’s decided to part ways with his virginity – and meets Elliott (Antonio Marziale), a sweet and confident gay boy who isn’t shy about his instant crush on Alex…who may or may not feel the same. Rocketed into a endearing and amusing journey of sexual and self-exploration, Alex ultimately learns that like so much of growing up, love can be confusing. And that’s okay.
Director Craig Johnson (The Skeleton Twins) recently told Entertainment Weekly that he's thrilled the film landed at Netflix, "because you can be a closeted kid in rural Wyoming and access it, where you might not have gone to it were it playing in the theater."
The film feels very much in the same vein as recent hit Love, Simon, and we couldn't be happier. More gay rom-coms!
Alex Strangelove premieres on Netflix June 8. Watch the trailer below.
