“Bros,” a 2022 film, follows Bobby Lieber, played by Billy Eichner, a podcast show host whose love life is nonexistent, along with Aaron, played by Luke Macfarlane, a lawyer who seems to have the same problem as Lieber.
Neither one of them has been good at relationships, but they soon figure out they work well together and attempt to form a relationship.
Spoilers Ahead.
From the premise, it seems like “Bros” is going to be a typical romantic comedy. The two of them go through some struggles together, something happens to complicate the relationship and everything is reconciled in the end. While these elements do exist, there is a lot that elevates “Bros” from being a typical genre flick.
Eichner wrote the script for the film, and his sense of humor adds a lot. His character has a lot of funny commentary on society and a unique personality that works well with the perfect comedic timing. The dinner scene between Bobby Lieber and Aaron stands out especially.
While comedy is the focus, there is some drama that adds a lot to the film. Throughout the film, Lieber is shown as being loud and obnoxious at times, and in one scene his boyfriend Aaron questions him about why he is the way he is.
Eichner gives a great monologue explaining how it is essentially a coping mechanism for himself, and after being told he has not been good enough so many times, as well as being looked down upon for being gay, he feels like he cannot let himself be honest. The scene is done so sincerely, and with it, Eichner shows that he can do more than just comedy.
To go along with the great dramatic and comedic scenes is the wonderful chemistry between Lieber and Aaron. They are perfect for each other. The relationship they have is loving, caring and open.
There is a great scene where Lieber’s confidence helps Aaron finally quit his job as a lawyer and go into his dream job of being a chocolatier. The scene shows that both of the characters listen and truly value what the other thinks, and how both of them can turn to each other whenever they need help.
While the movie is wonderful, it does have some problems. Even with the elevated script and wonderful performances, it is a romantic comedy. The characters go through a conflict in the film that feels lazy and unoriginal: Lieber catches Aaron making out with another guy. This trope has been done tirelessly, and for a film that had been so smart up until that point, it felt ridiculous.
Not every romantic comedy needs something to separate the couple for ten minutes. They will obviously be back together in no time. The film exhibits multiple other clichés from the genre, and it is irritating.
All in all, while “Bros” tends to use the clichés that have been in the romantic comedy genre for decades, it has enough great writing and performances to make up for the flaws.
Rating: 4/5