I adore this movie. I knew it would be fun when the teaser and trailer came out but wow... I was not fully prepared for how beautiful it would be. It has a simple plot that has been done in LGBT dramas over and over again, but this feels fresh. It feels unique for Mico and Xavier and all of their friends. It feels like it was made for LGBT people like myself, and I think that is ultimately why I love the show and the movie so much.

The plot is simple, but the writers really took it beyond the simple "beach trip" trope. In "Hello Stranger the Movie," we see a tale of self-acceptance, patience, love, support, and community. Xavier accepts that he is not straight, and while he doesn't know what label he is comfortable with, that is okay. It is a beautiful message to LGBT people figuring themselves out that you don't need to rush to find a label. Loving yourself a little every day is enough. Mico learns that he cannot rush or pre-plan some things. He wants to be open about his love for Xavier which is totally fine, but he could not rush Xavier's coming out experience. He learns that loving Xavier is also an act of learning patience. Their friends also provide support and love that show that romantic love isn't the only form of love. Their community nurtures them as they figure out their own relationship.

Another thing I especially love is the avoidance of the "girl gets in the way" trope. Instead of making a woman the villain, we see Crystal as a brave person. While she loved Xavier, she knew that he could not love her anymore. Instead of trying to hold on to the idea of love, she loves Xavier in a new way. She sees the pain and offers him support as he comes to terms with his sexuality. The development of her character is beautiful, and the writers nailed it!

Even if we don't get further episodes or special content, I am happy with the way this story wraps up the plot. There are so many reasons to watch and love this movie, but I end this review with this: loving someone is an act of bravery. Opening your heart to people romantically and platonically is hard to do. However, loving someone and supporting your friends, family, or partners is a beautiful experience. "Hello Stranger the Movie" captures all of this and more in a 100-minute movie. Please support it and the cast and crew.