Wideshot Reviews: The Prom (2020)
The Prom has enough drama to tug your heartstrings and allows you to feel something other than the urge to skip to the next musical number.
Review by: Kuhlyn Salazar
Edited By: Robbie Claravall
Director: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Jo Ellen Pellman
Genre: Musical, Comedy
A s news broke of a lesbian teen forbidden to attend prom, a gang of beaten-down Broadway stars march by her side bringing about the bright and energetic sequences of The Prom. With its extravagant musical numbers and an ensemble cast, Ryan Murphy takes us to another hopeful flick of acceptance. Still, Murphy’s productions are usually hit or miss, and this Netflix deal did not particularly dodge that. The Prom is a heart-warming and energetic experience of bright visuals and unforgettable music that somehow manages to drown in its advocacy somewhere in the middle, all falling behind a curtain of performative.
The Prom proposes a fresh take on a relevant issue. Halfway through the film, however, it felt like I was watching a very long ad on how we should just ‘love thy neighbor’. The entire “changing people’s minds” in a matter of moments felt forced. Sure, Kerry Washington’s mom character just happened to ultimately accept her daughter in time for the final song (right after spending 90% of the film being painfully homophobic).
A lot of Murphy’s work involve a strong sense of moral superiority that sort of gets lost along the way. It feels performative (like, ironically, the whole initial intention of “the liberals of Broadway” behind the protest).
A big “however” comes with the soundtrack. The music is great! Everything about the final song “It’s Time to Dance” feels exhilarating I had to replay the entire sequence right after.
Truthfully, it is not just the music itself but also the coalescence of all of Murphy productions’ addicting elements.
The Murphy-esque visuals and cinematography is nothing short of entertaining. It is addicting. These elements pull you in and refuse to let go no matter how ridiculously bad things are going (ahem Glee and Netflix’s Hollywood).
There is the explosion of bright, coordinated colors (emphasis on “It’s Not About Me”, “It’s Time to Dance”). There is the over-utilization of dolly shots before someone breaks into a solo. There is also a distinct world-building and set grandiose that is pure eye-candy, emphasized by multiple crane shots to convince you just how pretty everything is.
I am not against it, but that is usually it. You wait for something to build from the visuals and somehow you get it, but then lose it somewhere in the middle. Now you are left watching beautiful visuals waiting for something to fill that empty space craving for actual good story.
The Prom is not a flop. The burden is carried by the distinct selling point of the film: the cast. An ensemble of veterans and newcomers, you would wonder what could go wrong. My short answer: none.
Meryl Streep brings her all, donning a Patti LuPone and bringing so much sincerity in her littlest vulnerable scenes. Andrew Rannells is SEVERELY UNDERUTILIZED. It could be just because of the nature of his character but “Love Thy Neighbor” almost trumps all the other performances.
There are moments I did feel like I was watching a Disney teen musical (yes, that entire promposal scene) but both veterans and newcomers were able to bring so much to their songs (Streep’s “It’s Not About Me” and Pellman’s “Unruly Heart”). Keegan Michael Key’s “We Look to You” is the most surprising delight of them all.
The Prom is stunning. The cast is stunning, the music is stunning, the running Murphy-esque visuals are stunning. The story is okay. But it is a good ride for someone wanting to have a good time. It has funny one-liners (“This isn’t America, this is Indiana”, “YOU OWE ME A HOSUE!”) enough for a Friday night chuckle.
The Prom has enough drama to tug your heartstrings and allows you to feel something other than the urge to skip to the next musical number. If you are only here to have a good time, then give it a go! I can assure you a thrilling ride.
August 13 2021
Wanna read more LFC happenings? Check us out in our other social media platforms!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoyolaFilmCircle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFC_ateneo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loyolafilmcircle/
