Ryan Murphy presents viewers with a shiny, extravagant affair in this 2020 Netflix adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical. 'The Prom' packed full of playful, peppy musical numbers that you can't help but tap your feet to.
The 2hr 10m runtime follows a quartet of egotistical Broadway stars who, after receiving negative reviews on their new play, decide to head to Indiana to see Emma, a highschooler banned from her prom because of her sexuality. Once the four arrive, they make it their mission to get Emma to her prom so she can celebrate with her girlfriend Alyssa (DeBose). However, there's one problem, as Alyssa isn't out to her conservative Mother (Washington). When Emma decides she doesn't need the star's help, she decides to share her story via social media in the form of a heartwarming song. With the help of Andrew Rannells, the classic popular mean girls are wooed with a Christianity fuelled performance. By the time the film comes to an end, Emma and the stars have set up their own prom where Emma can finally celebrate with her girlfriend and new-found friends.
One of the surprising things about Alexa L. Fogel's cast is how well the primary quartet carry the plethora of songs, especially considering the scarce amount of background in musicals they all have. As always, Streep is a delight to watch on film, as are Kidman and Key. However, James Corden's performance as 'Barry Glickman' is out-right awful. If you're one of the few viewers that don't despise Corden by the closing credits, then I applaud you. Corden's performance is borderline homophobic. 'The Prom' might be the kick Hollywood needs to finally realise James Corden should stick to presenting. Newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman is joyous to watch on screen, she portrays Emma with the perfect amount of emotion and heart, just like the writers intended.
The limited amount of humour throughout 'The Prom' is just enough to keep you from exiting the film altogether. Streep probably plays a part in that too. But something the prom doesn't escape from, no matter how hard it tries, is feeling like it's musical counterpart - the neon lights and awkward set design reminds viewers that this isn't an original concept. Also, something about a straight man (Corden) complaining about being a gay man won't sit comfortably with some viewers.
Like some musicals, 'The Prom' conveys themes of love and family across to Netflix viewers, and a message of being true to yourself seems to seep through your screen too. One of the heavier themes 'The Prom' deals with is parents disapproving of their children being apart of the LGBTQ community. This storyline is portrayed by Pellman graciously, but it is also put into the hands of James Corden, so I'll let you make your own assumption on how that went.
Overall, Ryan Murphy does a menial job in the director's chair. 'The Prom' isn't anything special and doesn't stand out among Netflix's crowded production line, except for the fact it may earn Streep her 21st Oscar nom. So, if you're looking for a light-hearted, upbeat extravaganza then this should be on your watchlist. But if you prefer something a little more subtle and low key you might want to keep scrolling.
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