Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

Evan's a social outcast with only one friend -- and even that friend wants to make it clear that they're only "family friends." When another social outcast commits suicide and his family draws the incorrect conclusion that Evan and their son were besties, Evan can't let them down. And he just keeps digging himself in deeper.

So.... this story is pretty great. Amy Adams, in particular, turned in a heartbreaking performance and the songs are truly wonderful. The glaring issue here is Ben Platt in the lead. I know that most people cited his age as the issue, but I found Platt's mannerisms and "singing face" to be extremely offputting. I literally grimaced through several of his songs because he's difficult to watch. It is an important subject and should've been an effective film, but I kept being pulled out of it by his yuck-factor.

C+