Watch Bros
- R
- 2022
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6.4 (36,885)
Bros is an American romantic comedy film that was released in 2022, directed by Nicholas Stoller and co-written by Stoller and the film's star, Billy Eichner. The movie has been noted for its groundbreaking representation, being the first major studio film to feature an all LGBTQ+ principal cast in a mainstream romantic comedy. Beyond its cultural significance, Bros has been recognized for its sharp wit, heartfelt narrative, and the chemistry between its leads.
The film follows the story of Bobby Lieber (played by Billy Eichner), a podcaster and museum curator who’s a well-known figure in the New York City LGBTQ+ community. Bobby is passionate, opinionated, and has a strong sense of identity, which is often expressed through his humorous and incisive commentary on the queer experience. He’s a firm believer in advocating for LGBTQ+ history and is heavily involved in the progression of the community, which he channels through his professional pursuit of creating an LGBTQ+ history museum.
Eichner's Bobby is both polished and charismatic, yet his successful exterior often masks a more nuanced vulnerability. His character skillfully embodies the balance between self-assuredness and the natural human longing for connection. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Aaron Shepherd (played by Luke Macfarlane), a handsome, brooding lawyer who seems to be Bobby’s opposite in many ways. Aaron is a sports-loving, masculine guy who appears more reticent and less involved in the activism that defines Bobby's life.
Despite their differences, or maybe because of them, the two men find themselves drawn to each other, sparking an unconventional romance. Bros humorously navigates the complexities of dating and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community, examining topics like monogamy, expectations, and the varying degrees of being "out."
Supporting characters contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the film's world, inviting the audience into a fuller picture of the LGBTQ+ cultural milieu. Cast members such as Guy Branum play pivotal roles in bringing to life the community Bobby and Aaron navigate. Personality clashes, mutual friends, and social challenges add layers to the story, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth.
Director Nicholas Stoller, known for his work on films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors, brings a seasoned touch to the romantic comedy genre. With Bros, Stoller and Eichner attempt something more ambitious: infusing the traditional rom-com structure with fresh, contemporary energy, while honoring the intricacies and nuances of gay relationships. The narrative is not only focused on the romance between Bobby and Aaron but also offers a candid reflection on identity, culture, and community.
The writing is a standout feature of Bros, combining Eichner’s well-known quick wit with Stoller’s comedic instincts to create dialogue that is both laugh-out-loud funny and incisively poignant. It's a script that hits home for many within the LGBTQ+ community, with references and scenarios that resonate authentically. But the humor never punches down—instead, it elevates, holding a mirror to society with both satire and celebration.
Visually, Bros thrives on the bustling backdrop of New York City, which naturally lends itself to the romantic comedy genre. This setting provides a dynamic stage for the unfolding romance while also offering a glimpse into the various spaces—both physical and otherwise—that LGBTQ+ individuals occupy within a cosmopolitan environment.
Musically, the film’s soundtracks celebrate queer culture, with a selection of songs that accentuate key moments and emotions experienced by the characters. This careful curation adds another layer of authenticity to the storytelling, helping to deepen engagement with the audience.
Bros is also culturally important as it marks a progressive step in mainstream cinema, challenging the industry to embrace diverse storytelling. It serves not only as entertainment but also as a powerful representation, providing visibility and inviting conversation about the LGBTQ+ experience. There is an undeniable sense of responsibility carried by the filmmakers and cast to portray their characters genuinely and avoid the stereotypes that have often plagued queer characters in media.
While centered around a gay romance, Bros speaks to universal themes of love, acceptance, and the journey toward self-realization. Its accessibility to a wide audience can be credited to the film’s well-crafted humor and relatable relationship dynamics, making it an important film not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for anyone who appreciates the art of a great romantic comedy.
In summary, Bros from 2022 is an important and exciting addition to the rom-com genre. With its all LGBTQ+ principal cast, the movie boldly charts new territory in Hollywood while delivering a heartfelt, relatable, and humorous story about finding love and acceptance in the modern world. It is a celebration of authenticity and the power of laughter, both as a vehicle for joy and as a means for social commentary.
Bros is a 2022 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 72.