Watch Were the World Mine

Were the World Mine is a 2008 musical fantasy film that follows Timothy, a gay high school student who is constantly bullied by his classmates and dismissed by his parents. Timothy is a lover of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and he finds himself cast as the lead in the school's production of the play. His life takes a magical turn when he discovers a mystical flower that, when squeezed, allows him to turn people gay for a short period.

Timothy's new power allows him to temporarily alter the behaviors of those around him. He turns the school's hot jock, Jonathon (played by Nathaniel David Becker), gay, and creates a fantastical dream world where Jonathon falls in love with him. As a result, Timothy becomes more confident and bold in his daily life, using the flower to help his classmates come to terms with their sexuality.

The film is centered on the exploitation of the flower's powers and how it becomes both a blessing and a curse for Timothy. While he experiences a newfound sense of belonging and empowerment through his new ability, he also faces consequences for lashing out against those who have done him wrong. Timothy's desires ultimately come at the cost of the people around him, who are profoundly affected by his newfound power.

The film tackles themes of bullying, isolation, and self-discovery. Timothy's journey shows how embracing who you are and standing up for yourself and others can have a positive impact on the world around you. Directed by Tom Gustafson and written by Gustafson and Cory James Krueckeberg, the film's unique blend of whimsy and social commentary make it a standout piece of independent cinema.

One of the highlights of the movie is the musical numbers, which are both engaging and catchy. The songs, composed by Jessica Fogle and Tim Sandusky, incorporate elements from A Midsummer Night's Dream into modern pop tunes. The music is fun and inspiring, and it adds depth to the film's already rich narrative.

The acting in this film is top-notch, with Tanner Cohen delivering an outstanding performance as Timothy. His portrayal of a high school student navigating his way through life sets the tone for the emotional journey the audience takes through the film. Wendy Robie, who plays Timothy's mother, is equally impressive, revealing a mother's fear and insecurity as she comes to terms with her son's sexuality. Judy McLane delivers a strong supporting performance as Ms. Tebbit, Timothy's drama teacher, who inspires and nurtures his love for Shakespeare and the theater.

Overall, Were the World Mine is a unique and charming film that blends musical fantasy with social commentary. The film's focus on empowerment and self-discovery is both entertaining and refreshing. The performances, music, and visuals combine to make this film a memorable addition to the LGBTQ+ movie genre. Anyone who has ever felt excluded or bullied will be moved by the film's message of hope and acceptance, making it a must-watch for audiences across the spectrum.

Were the World Mine is a 2008 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.