Bros (2022)

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Starring: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Guy Branum

Two men with commitment problems attempt a relationship.

“So, what’s up?” You’ll hear this about a hundred times during the course of the movie…

What’s up is podcast host Bobby Lieber (Billy Eichner) finding himself falling in love when he least expected it, and with a guy who seems to be a complete mismatch. The mismatch in question? Hunky muscle stud Aaron (Luke Macfarlane). Their meeting in a club didn’t go so well and Bobby had very little faith anything would become of their meeting.

The film explores two men who obviously enjoy being single, now out of their comfort zone starting seeing each other, and enjoying one another’s company. Making a commitment, however, is the furthest thing from their minds. I must be honest, I never once viewed this film as romantic. Bobby and Aaron spending time together was more focused on satisfying a single man’s desires, instead of pure romance. They never came across as a couple, nor as people wanting to be.

I found Bobby self-absorbed, a bit arrogant, and yes, even a bit spoilt. He really was not a very likable guy, despite being the film’s main protagonist. I’m not sure whether the script was to blame for this, or Eichner’s acting. (One thing I can say, is that I found him incredibly handsome with a lovely furry body. There, I said it!). I had numerous issues with this character, and to be honest I don’t even think I rooted for him.

The word “gay” is thrown around like donuts in a police precinct! I mean, how many times do they actually use this word in the film? It honestly felt as if it was being shoved down my throat. I get it; it’s a gay movie. There’s no need to remind us every twenty seconds.

There were moments in the movie where I literally sat there shaking my head in disbelief, wondering WTF I was watching, and why. Like the Debra Messing scenes to name but a few… There were loads of satire, which was funny – like the Jodie Foster joke! But for most part the humour felt forced and the dialogue was unnatural and trying to be funny, when it really wasn’t – and actually rather crude at times.

I must confess, I did like the ending. It almost redeemed the movie and made it worth the watch.

Unfortunately, ‘Bros’ was not a box office success. (What did they expect with this script??)

Would I watch it again? No.