Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen (a.k.a readers),

I have recently watched your film and I have to admit, it definitely was not what I had been expecting. I had not read the synopsis because your title didn’t even intrigue me. Since I am an avid movie goer and I had already watched the films that are currently out in the theaters, I decided to give your film a go after watching the trailer. .

When I discovered your film was in the form of a musical, I was immediately drawn to it like a moth to light in dark skies. My inner music lover didn’t care what the synopsis was and screamed, “it has music with people singing and dancing!” Additionally, with the producers of “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman” backing the film, I braced myself for a fun time. You can imagine how I felt 30 minutes into the film when the bomb dropped the focused is around the serious unseen problem in high schools that people either ignore or dismiss: mental health.

Yes, your film was quite a shocker in that area. I wasn’t fully prepared to sit through two hours of me creating streams of tears at nearly every song and scene. It was relatable for me and I am almost positive for many other viewers. I enjoyed the lyrics of each song, similar to other works from the producers. The lead actor Ben Platt (who also starred in the Broadway Musical with the same title) played your part well and I could feel the social anxiety attacks that you suffered daily and were taking medication for.

Even more shocking than what I witnessed on the big silver screen is the fact your film is actually based on true events from lyricists Benj Pasek. I believe this is a creative way to shine a spotlight on such a difficult issue. While the broadway theater show may have been a hit, I am grateful for the film adaptation, but I am not sure if it was the best method of delivery.

My greatest critique of the film would be the casting. I am not sure if all the cast members “sold” the film to me the way I wanted. Having not seen the broadway performance, I have only the film for reference and I think there were some “emotions” lost through the transformation. The topic itself was loaded enough to grab and hold me to the end, but compared to broadway, it’s still a screen. With the whole world forced to screens for over a year, the beauty of this gem may have been lost to screen fatigue. Lastly, I was surprised by Julianne Moore’s singing, I didn’t know she could sing.

In spite of the current global situation, those who enjoy musicals, may enjoy this little gem. They may even be surprised by how relatable the situations are based on the main topic. More importantly, movie-goers with children may appreciate the message of the film: just because they are teens, doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from depression or anxiety. I believe there is more anxiety for teens now than there were 20 years ago thanks to social media, which is also what the film made of point to showcase with teens ready to put anything online (particularly embarrassing moments of their peers).

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Evan, for this tearjerker of a film. I am hoping that others who are looking for a different and certainly original musical, venture out to see your film. If not for the music, then for the message behind the lyrics.

Sincerely,

Me.

Note to readers: In spite of some of the emotional disconnect that I felt from the film, I do recommend watching it. I really did enjoy the music (afterall, I am a huge music lover). I cannot stress how important the message of this film is. As an educator, watching my students suffer from some of the pressures that social media and other teen issues bring, it is definitely a different world than when I was a teen. I really do believe there are a lot of people who do not understand how social media affects teens (especially in rural areas).

For people who know then suffer from anxiety, you will be able to relate with this film as well. There are a few surprises in the film showcasing how some teens cope with their anxiety issues. I really don’t want to give out any spoilers, but I would like to encourage you, the reader, to check this film out.