Alex Strangelove (2018)
Story overview
Alex Strangelove is a 2018 coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows high school senior Alex Truelove as he navigates the pressures of losing his virginity with his girlfriend, Claire, while unexpectedly questioning his sexuality after meeting Elliot, an openly gay college student. The film explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and teenage relationships with humor and sensitivity, set against a backdrop of parties, friendships, and personal growth.
Parent Guide
A teen-focused film with mature themes about sexuality and identity, featuring sexual content, language, and substance use. Requires parental guidance for viewers under 17.
Content breakdown
No physical violence or peril; conflicts are emotional/social.
Mild emotional intensity from relationship conflicts and self-doubt; no frightening scenes.
Includes 'f--k,' 's--t,' 'a--hole,' and sexual slang, typical of teen dialogue.
Frequent sexual dialogue about virginity and orientation; implied sexual activity (no explicit nudity); kissing and flirting; themes of homosexuality and bisexuality.
Teens drink alcohol at parties; no drunkenness glorified, but shown as common social activity.
Emotional scenes around identity confusion, relationship stress, and coming out; handled with humor but may resonate deeply with teens.
Parent tips
This film deals with mature themes including sexuality, virginity, and identity exploration in a teen context. It contains sexual dialogue, references to sexual activity, party scenes with alcohol, and strong language. Best suited for older teens (15+) with parental guidance to discuss the themes of self-acceptance and healthy relationships.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What does it mean to be a good friend like Alex's friends?
- How do people show they care about each other in the movie?
- How does Alex handle pressure from friends about relationships?
- What did you think about how the movie portrays questioning one's sexuality?
- How are drinking and parties shown, and what are safer choices?
🎭 Story Kernel
At its core, 'Alex Strangelove' explores the anxiety of labeling identity before fully understanding it. The film isn't just about Alex discovering he's gay—it's about the pressure to define oneself within rigid categories while navigating high school's performative social landscape. What drives Alex isn't simply attraction to Elliott, but the terrifying freedom of rejecting the 'perfect' heterosexual life he's meticulously constructed with Claire. The movie's real tension comes from watching someone dismantle their own carefully built persona, revealing how coming out stories often begin with coming in—to one's own confusing, contradictory desires.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a bright, saturated color palette that initially mirrors Alex's seemingly perfect life, then subtly shifts as his confusion grows. Notice how scenes with Claire are often bathed in warm, golden-hour lighting—a visual representation of their 'ideal' relationship. Contrast this with the cooler, more natural lighting in moments with Elliott, suggesting authenticity versus performance. The camera frequently lingers on Alex's face during conversations, emphasizing his internal processing rather than external action. Party scenes use chaotic, handheld shots to mirror adolescent social anxiety, while intimate moments become still and focused.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Director Craig Johnson intentionally cast relatively unknown actors to maintain authenticity, with Daniel Doheny (Alex) having previously appeared mainly in Canadian television. The film was shot in Vancouver, standing in for an unspecified suburban American town—a common practice for Netflix productions. Interestingly, the 'magic mushroom' sequence was initially longer but edited down to maintain the film's grounded tone. Antonio Marziale, who plays Elliott, prepared by spending time with LGBTQ+ youth groups to understand the specific anxieties of coming out in high school settings.
Where to watch
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- Netflix
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Trailer
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