Let me just begin by saying that I knew this film was going to be sad, but I was not at all prepared for the emotional sucker punch Spoiler Alert packs. I haven’t seen a film that hit me this hard on an emotional level in some time. The love story that’s told is so tender and the characters that are presented are so real. There’s a sweetness that permeates this, but it never comes off as sappy or contrived. This is able to be tender and sweet, but also very real. Another great thing about this is that it’s so well rounded. Yes, you will cry hard, but you’ll also laugh and be charmed.
Spoiler Alert allows us to get comfortable with these characters and become invested in their stories. There is such depth given to each of them and the connections they share are investing. The central relationship between Aldridge and Parsons characters is just so pure and lovely.
While it is very sweet, they also make certain it’s not this lavender scented 100% rosy façade. They show the bumps in the road and refrain from diving headfirst into cheesy romantic comedy type territory. There is such a healthy balance between the sweetness and the reality.
Spoiler Alert also really didn’t have a choice in showing the snags and bumps, given that this is a true story. Staying true to the material is key, especially when dealing with something as heavy and special as this. I just appreciated that the dialogue was crafted with care and really brought to life the joy and love of this relationship. Despite the issues that arise, they make each other better and the connection they share is just absolutely adorable.
The relationship between Aldridge’s character and his parents is also really nice to see. He has hidden the fact that he is gay from them for some time and seeing them finally get to the point to where he can have an honest and open relationship is satisfying and adds yet another layer to the foundation. Expanding this story outside of just the main romance is smart and allows us to get a fuller picture. Eventually, we arrive at the chapter where the tragedy strikes. By the time we get to this, we already know who these people are and have built a connection to them.
Spoiler Alert deals with the horrible health crisis and tragic result in ways that are creative and very honest. Yes, there are scenes where you can’t help but feel sad because what happens is truly heartbreaking, but the film doesn’t just try to make you cry for the hell of it. They’re telling an honest love story and this tragedy is a part of that story. The characters don’t stop being themselves or stop enjoying the pleasures of life.
There are several scenes and sequences that occur after we enter this sad phase that I really enjoyed. One is a conversation that takes place between Parsons and Aldridge where they are aware time is running short and they’re just honest with each other about their feelings. The dialogue is tender, funny, and frank. Seeing these people who love one another so much lay it all on the table and try to cherish the time they have remaining is captivating.
Another sequence I appreciated was when they go with Aldridge’s parents to the beach and just have a nice relaxing getaway. This is an example of Spoiler Alert not wallowing in the misery of the circumstances. And then another scene I admired was at the very end where they take a brief moment to indulge in a fantasy sequence and it’s just so well done and touching.
And of course, none of this great material on the page would have come to life in such a powerful way if it weren’t for these supremely talented actors. I honestly can’t rave enough about Ben Aldridge in this. Aldridge really does make you fall in love with him. It’s kind of disarming how charming and adorable he is in this role.
Parsons also does a phenomenal job and really handles the emotional roller coaster that’s asked of him well. And again, the chemistry these two share is simply off the charts. Sally Field is just as great as she always is in this loving motherly role. Has this woman ever once given a lackluster performance? If she has, I sure as hell haven’t seen it. Bill Irwin also does a nice job. Irwin’s role is the smallest among the four of them, but he does what he needs to do.
Spoiler Alert is a film that deserves praise and I really hope as many people as possible see this. The script is so well rounded and smart, the performances are phenomenal, and the story that’s told is important.
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