With the recent surge of teen romance movies, there were many expectations for Love, Simon. It exceeded all of them.

Love, Simon, a funny and relatable movie that shows the struggles of growing up and trying to fit in, is about a teenage boy who is living his normal life but has one “huge ass secret.”

Simon, a gay kid struggling to find the right way to come out, and falling in love in the process, shows the struggle of LGBTQ teens. But most teenagers can relate to Simon’s experience as a whole — losing friends, gaining friends, and trying to accept himself so that others around him can, too.

The movie features amazing actors, including Nick Robinson as Simon, the main character; Jennifer Garner, as Simon’s mother; and Katherine Langford, as Simon’s best friend, Leah. Several of these younger actors are just starting their careers, and the way they are able to portray emotion and completely immerse themselves in their roles helps bring this film to life.

This movie pulls at viewers’ emotions, sometimes making them laugh out loud with the characters and cry alongside them as well.

Love, Simon is different from many teenage love stories in books and movies, showing how big-ticket movies are becoming more diverse in their casting and plots. The film is a resounding success, with amazing acting, a beautiful and emotional storyline, and a great soundtrack that fits the movie perfectly.