There was not a dry eye in the cinema at the end of new American romantic drama, Spoiler Alert. Based on Michael Ausiello’s bestseller Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, the film is one that begins at the end, before we look back at the lives and loves of the two endearing main characters. In the film it is a case of opposites attract when Michael meets Kit at a gay dance club. The film shares their ups and downs with warmth, humour and tenderness. She Society felt privileged to attend a preview screening of this new movie from director, Michael Showalter (The Big Sick).
The Story
Michael is a workaholic, pop culture loving journalist for TV Guide, who is convinced to go to sports night at a nightclub by one of his workmates.There he meets the cool photographer, Kit. Their connection is instantaneous. After exchanging numbers they begin dating and with tenderness they get to know one another. It’s not long before they must both open up and unpack their past baggage.Their lives, friends and family mesh as the couple’s love grows, although there are a few bumps along the way. The second part of the film shows how their life is transformed when Kit falls ill.
The Characters
One of the best things about the movie is the incredible chemistry between Michael , played by Jim Parsons ( The Big Bang Theory) and Kit played by Ben Aldridge (Fleabag). They honour the real life love story and indeed you will fall in love with every character in this movie.
Parsons plays the shy Michael with a sensitivity and sweetness. Michael must come to terms with past trauma. It is lovely to see this character’s layers peeled back through the film via the love of Kit and his family.
Kit is the character Michaels wants to be. He is charming, confident and charismatic but is also patient and gives Michael the time to knock down the walls he’s built. The one thing Kit is not confident about is telling his parents he is gay. Aldridge is at times super confident but also vulnerable and flirtatious. He is the perfect fit for the role.
Kit’s parents almost steal the show with the experienced Sally Field as triathlete Marilyn and Bill Irwin as the loveable Dad, Bob. They add a much needed comic element and sensibility to the most heart wrenching of times.
It might sound as if Spoiler Alert will be too melodramatic but there is enough humour and empathy to defuse the tense moments.The addition of flashbacks to sitcom moments of Michael’s childhood are well placed and the references to pop culture will be appreciated by many. I thought it was a beautiful film touching on a range of themes like love, family, grief, illness, sexuality and childhood trauma in an empathetic and sincere way.
Yes, you will cry. Don’t forget those tissues! Yet, this life affirming story shares many beautiful moments and will remind you of what’s important in life. Although from the get go you know that Michael and Kit will not get their happily ever after, it really is the journey that counts and this well paced and beautiful film shows us that to love and be loved in the now is really enough. Spoiler Alert is in cinemas from February 9.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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