Review - Bros

Directed by: Nicholas Stoller
Written by: Billy Eichner, Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, TS Madison, Guy Branum, Miss Lawrence, Eve Lindley, Jim Rash, Dot-Marie Jones, Guillermo Diaz
Running Time: 115 minutes
Rating: 4/5

While Bros is not the first LGBTQ2 film that seeks to give a voice to the community, it's one that effortlessly speaks its own language, uninterested in providing translation for anyone left behind.

The latest comedy in the Apatow lineage is directed by Nicholas Stoller and written by Billy Eichner himself who takes on the lead role as Bobby, a white cis gay man with a podcast and an endless list of grievances. His emotional unavailability is only rivaled by Aaron, a former hockey player that settled into a “normal” job played by Luke Macfarlane.

Eichner, perhaps most known for the curmudgeon-y version of himself he plays on Billy on the Street, doesn’t have to stretch new muscles for his character, but the supporting queer cast steal the scenes whenever they are on camera. Macfarlane, on the other hand, is so naturally charismatic and charming that where he’s least believable is in the film’s first act when he’s trying to convey a lack of desire of falling into the perfect boyfriend role. Once Aaron is all in, it all feels a lot more natural.

The script is packed with sharp jokes at a pace so fast that the uproarious laughter may make you miss the next zinger. Bros is a riot that’s meant to be enjoyed in a theatre full of queer people—there’s no code switching here. Eichner has waited a long time to make a gay comedy and that’s what he delivers. Almost to an alienating degree. A knowledge of queer pop culture is demanded for full enjoyment.

“Bros is a riot that’s meant to be enjoyed in a theatre full of queer people—there’s no code switching here”

That being said, Bros is not perfect. Like most other Apatow movies, there’s a third act that feels a little cliché, a scenario set up that almost feels a little forced. At times, the script can feel didactic or preachy, interested in using this rare opportunity to share thoughts Eichner has had in his mind for decades. However, Eichner believes in every word and that honesty is able to carry it above eye-roll inducing material. Instead Eichner’s conviction leads to a highlight of the film being a monologue about confidence and how heteronormative society can chip away the essence of a queer person’s existence until they’re ultimately erased.

While the film allows itself to indulge in these occasional moments, it doesn’t take itself or pop culture too seriously. Sharply moving through many LGBTQ2 staples the audience will recognize. Queer Eye, Hallmark, Bohemian Rhapsody, Will and Grace. Everything gets a turn here.

Bros is Eichner’s opening theatrical gambit, allowing the actor and writer to get a lot off his chest. Free of that, it’s hard not to be excited for whatever comes next.