Bonus Track

Best lgbtq+ film I have seen in a long time. If you love Heartstopper you will adore Bonus Track.

I think this film is the perfect example of how to make a gay romance not about being gay. Of course it being set in 2006 and having both teenagers fail to conform to the relationship norms of that time, the romance itself I would describe as a friends to lovers, coming of age movie dedicated to the exploration of the struggles of school and exams and of course crushes. Both the leads acted their asses off in this film, making it even more re-watchable every time. I would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to have a cozy night in with some friends, soaking up the queer energy delivered in this beautiful film.

It was a well-produced film. The two protagonists had understanding and loving families. The school was supportive of its students. The cast did well. I would not criticise anyone who may have looked older than the school-leaving students they portray. It is the message behind the setup that is vital, not their appearance. I can't imagine the audience boycotting Grease because the stars were much older than high school students. This film encourages an introverted child to respect and accept himself and his feelings. A new friend he met by chance, who made him feel that it was all right to be yourself, Shouldn't life allow us to meet compassionate friends who might bring us some happiness? My wife and I brought up our three kids with respect for their feelings and views. This film truly does that. The two main stars portrayed their roles with passion. The entire production team is worthy of praise for their efforts.

George Bobbin is a shy, underperforming teenager who hasn't quite found his way yet. What he does know is he loves music. Then along comes Max, the son of a famous rock duo who have just recently separated leaving Max to live with his mom in Yorkshire where he meets George at his new school. Maxs' captivating smile seems to immediately get George's attention while Max seems to be magnetically drawn to George. Max befriends George offering to help him with his musical desire to enter the end of year talent show. While both have music in common, they find that as their friendship grows their attraction to one another does as well. Relentlessly pursued by the ever intrusive press, Max makes the hard decision to move with his father in London far away from Yorkshire and George. George has to learn to step up for what he believes in, and break the shy nature he has grown so comfortable with.

Bonus Track is a fun, light-hearted romantic comedy that will leave you just a little bit obsessed with George and Max and they're budding romance. I found myself rewatching scenes that touched my heart and I think you will too. There's something so charming about Max, played by Samuel Small, that leaves you wanting to see him more. His confident demeanor is strong throughout the film until one scene when he shows his vulnerability making him that much more relatable. This will definitely be one of my favorite coming of age movies for years to come.

In small town 2005-6, George is in his last year of high school, and dreams of being a music star. However, he has failing grades, including music class, where he can only plunk out the same few notes that will form the rhythm track of his barely-started song. He holds out hope of being noticed at the year-end Leavers' Talent Show, though a kindly teacher warns him that, after the show, he will be leaving.

Along comes new student Max, son of a famous music duo (who recently separated, both professional and marital). Even if faulty, Max's rendition of a piano sonata is far above George's efforts. Despite being mobbed by girls, Max has his eye on George, and they work on his song together. While on an overnight trip to a challenge camp, Max gets George to sneak out with him to drink and have a kiss - which is captured by a paparazzo, making them big local news.

Max decides to leave for London, where he could be lost in the crowd, leaving George to perform alone at the Talent Show.

This film has an interesting concept of being divided up into "tracks", each part introduced with a different song. With his disinterest in them, the girls at school has already pegged George as gay, while lesser experience with Max means he is still not typecast - until the photo comes out. As the audience, we are waiting to see if the Bromance becomes something more.

Bottom line is that this is a meant to be a sweet coming out tale between two 16 year old boys and some of it is sweet, but a lot of it is fanciful, unrealistic and syrupy. The lead, Joe Anders as George, does a pretty good job as a closeted student whose only interests seem to be music and a new, and famous, new student named Max played somewhat adequately by Samuel Paul Small, the eventual love interest. George is super introverted and bullied by many, especially a horrible girl named Molly. All of this fairy tale like piece leads to Max giving George confidence and a school talent show and, of course, love between George and Max blooms. While it does have some sweet moments, if all of this sounds rather mundane, well, it is. I do wish I could be more supportive of this as it is co-written & co-produced by an actor I greatly admire, Josh O'Connor, who also has a small role here, but that admiration doesn't make this a better film.