TIFF 2022: Bros Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Representation matters but the day when it’s not big news and just is will be an important one but until then, any major attempt to further that goal should be commended. The first LGTBQ romantic comedy from a major motion picture studio featuring an all-LGBTQ cast is something that should be commended. Bros may not be revolutionary in terms of plot, however, that perspective helps keep it fresh while the chance for certain audiences to see themselves and their stories is also an important factor that shouldn’t be discounted. Incredibly hilarious in its own right with plenty of quips and zingers taking shots at all the issues, the film is also surprisingly emotional and poignant as a sharp script finds a great balance between the two. That being said, the material and subject matter won’t be for everyone. Besides the obvious, the raunchiness and a very R rating will limit its potential audience. Nevertheless, that great cast led by Billy Eichner, who also co-wrote the script, and Luke Macfarlane shine through. Meanwhile, a smattering of cameos are a nice touch.

Bros follows a man named Bobby (Eichner), a middle-aged outspoken podcast host with a complicated romantic history but being pridefully unsentimental and emotionally unavailable didn’t necessarily make it easy for himself. A self-proclaimed authority on queer culture, Bobby’s principled views made it tough. Not the best at making emotional connections, he preferred the uncomplicated which didn’t leave him feeling very happy. Things seemed to change after meeting a man named Aaron (Macfarlane), a good-looking, boy-next-door type who proved to be more than just mere eye candy. Having similar views about relationships, there was definitely a spark there whether or not the two were willing to admit it to one another at least right away. Though Bobby has been around the block a few times, there was something about Aaron that kept him coming back. From there, Bobby and Aaron slowly enter into a relationship of sorts where the two are forced to face their unique insecurities they have been avoiding by closing themselves off to serious relationships. Despite some ups and downs, the outcome was never in doubt. Despite this, it was not any less emotional.

Outside of the script that is not only hilarious but does its character justice, the best part of Bros was its performances with the aforementioned Eichner and Macfarlane leading the way as Bobby and Aaron. Eichner may be an acquired taste but his unquestionable charm and comedic timing work beautifully here in creating a likeable and relatable main character. Macfarlane more than holds his own alongside Eichner with some scene-stealing moments of his own. Their stellar chemistry is what makes the film ultimately work. The supporting cast also have opportunities to participate in the hilarity.

At the end of the day, Bros is a revelation in the romcom genre and is sure to be a resonant classic.

 still courtesy of Universal Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.