If you’re looking for a film bursting with politically charged narratives, "Alex Strangelove" is your cinematic equivalent of a treasure hunt. Released in 2018 on Netflix, the coming-of-age flick follows high school senior Alex Truelove, a character penned by the film’s writer and director, Craig Johnson. It plants itself right in the urban jungle of New York City, a natural habitat for liberal storytelling. The narrative? Alex has a loving girlfriend named Claire, but as he prepares to lose his virginity, he meets Elliot, who is openly gay. The film asks you to survive a whirlwind of teenage angst and identity confusion set against a politically correct backdrop.
The Identity Crisis – Nothing grips a liberal heart more than a teenager unsure of their identity. Alex’s journey is not just about exploring his sexuality but also checks plenty of boxes: the struggle to fit in, self-discovery, and questioning every tiny shred of societal construct. It's a recipe that is sure to activate any progressive radar.
Conservative Antagonists – Next, add a sprinkle of so-called "mean" conservative attitudes, often implied more than directly played out, to emphasize the protagonist's tussle against bigotry. Who leads this cycle? It’s parents, classmates—any figure that may, in some fictional way, even slightly edge towards standing for traditional values.
Explicitly Diverse Casting Choices – Liberals crave representation as a feast for moral high-grounding. "Alex Strangelove" rolls out a moderately diverse cast, giving a subtle nod to socio-political inclusivity. After all, a token sprinkling of diversity, even in peripheral characters, goes a long way.
Euphoric Music Scores – The film opts for indie music tracks, the darling of the liberal world. These melodies envelop the story in a not-too-subtle vibe of 'we're all in this progressive awakening together.' You won’t hear anything that doesn’t emanate a cool, anti-establishment aura.
The Love Triangle – Yes, it's a triangle, although not your typical geometric figure here. The film makes sure that while traditional relationships like that of Alex and Claire exist, the more novel interest — his connection with Elliot — appears almost magnetic, beckoning viewers to tug at issues of sexual exploration.
A Politically Correct Script – A dialogue that cleverly dodges any potential of offense is a liberal scribe’s forte, and "Alex Strangelove" bathes in it. Expect zero deviation from the ideological playbook, crafting a safe haven for dialogue.
Netflix as a Platform – Streaming on a platform like Netflix, synonymous with wide-reaching progressive agendas and liberal fostering, is no accident. "Alex Strangelove" fits like a key in a lock, ready to stream into households that echo its values.
Emotional Catharsis – The darling trope of an emotional resolution is ever-present. For any liberal narrative, witnessing emotional breakthroughs by the protagonist is akin to a satisfying full-course meal. Here, Alex's confessions are positioned to bring tears or at least a semblance of emotional upheaval.
Subtle Digs at Conventionality – Any story like this makes sure to pack in a punch of sarcasm or light jabs at traditional relationships and setups. The narrative journeys through a landscape where mom and dad's ideals stand in humorous contrast to progressive themes.
A Clutch Ending – Finally, the movie doesn’t shy from giving liberals that warm, fuzzy feeling of acceptance. Like a closing argument crafted to win over a jury, it aims to assure viewers that acceptance and self-love are the ultimate goals, wrapping everything in a socially poised bow.
"Alex Strangelove" serves up a potluck of diversity, acceptance, and modern-day teenage enlightenment. It's the liberal filmmaker's response to any conservative cinema, artfully tailored to amplify themes that pull at those with a craving for progressive narratives.