The Prom
Ryan Murphy ’s on-going partnership with Netflix has churned out legion projects over the course of this yr , from the Sarah Paulson - starringRatchedto the soapy bid - fulfillment miniseriesHollywood . For his recent directorial effort , Murphy turns back to Broadway , picking a colorful musical comedy that comes with a passionate fanbase already bind . The Prom , based on the Tony - nominate show of the same name , has been lauded as a heartfelt story about inclusion and dear , and its boisterous supporters have been untrusting of Murphy ’s take for some time . Whether they will be won over remains to be learn , as the star - stud and over - the - topThe Promhas pro and cons like any other yield . The Promis a bright yet blemished musical extravaganza that , while hold a vital message about adoption , sometimes gets lost in its own famous person .
The Promkicks off when eminent schooler Emma ( Jo Ellen Pellman ) , an out and proud lesbian , is refuse the right to take her girlfriend to the prom by PTA head Mrs. Greene ( Kerry Washington ) . Emma ’s story soon reaches the ears of dim Broadway star Dee Dee Allen ( Meryl Streep ) and Barry Glickman ( James Corden ) , both of whom are impertinent off a massive flop . Eager to rehabilitate their public images , Dee Dee and Barry squad up with fellow struggling role player Angie Dickinson ( Nicole Kidman ) and Trent Oliver ( Andrew Rannells ) to give Emma the promenade she merit , along with the help of Principal Hawkins ( Keegan - Michael Key ) . Of naturally , the stars ' less than altruistic motive perplex matters , especially when it amount to Dee Dee . All the while , Emma shinny to find her footing with her closeted girl Alyssa ( Ariana DeBose ) , the daughter of Mrs. Greene .
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Murphy ’s key signature refugee camp style is on full display withinThe Prom , which oftentimes wrench everyday configurations like a high-pitched school cafeteria and a living elbow room into a Broadway phase . The sudden coloured spotlights and excessive dance numbers certainly contribute to mind Murphy’sGleedays , though inThe Prom , the sparkling visuals only deepen the cinematic flavour . Just about every character gets their own standout Sung dynasty , and it ’s hard to pinpoint which is the best . Like any film version of a dear musical , fans of the original stage production will sure abound at these novel takes on the songs , but those unfamiliar with the show just might regain themselves tapping their feet during the bad numbers , such as Rannells ' lively " Love Thy Neighbor " .
by from its well - received source material , the buzziest part ofThe Promis undoubtedly the cast that is so stacked with big names , it filled an full movie post horse early on in its promotional ladder . With a cast as declamatory as this one , evaluate each individual performance is a intimidating task . As always , Streep commands the covert as the vain and dramatic Dee Dee , and she dives into musical figure like " The Lady ’s Improving " with much gusto . Kidman and Rannells are n’t quite given as much to do , but they make the most of their big song . Much has been written about Corden ’s role in recent days , to the point where there ’s little else that can be enjoin . In portraying a character that feel more like a stereotype at clip , Corden ’s Barry feels disappointingly disingenuous in a picture show about acceptance and being yourself .
With that center four of telling name , along with Key and Washington ( both gravid ) , it ’s very easy to forget whose account this really is : Emma ’s . Newcomer Pellman contribute Emma a bright - eyed optimism that leaves the audience take root for her , and when she brook a devastating blow , it ’s hard not to feel for her . As her girlfriend Alyssa , Hamiltonalum DeBose is gratifying and vulnerable ; she and Pellman make an adorable couple . As a result , it is frustrative whenThe Promspends much more time on the giving name player than it does these two . Even without view the melodic , it ’s very clean-cut as to where the enactment break falls , and it ’s then thatThe Promloses some impulse . One wishes thing would return to Emma and her plight , but the screenplay written by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin ( who also wrote the Word of God for the musical ) rather remains focussed on the likes of Dee Dee and Barry . It does n’t help that the end , though a heartwarming bit of wish fulfillment , presents some resolutions that find too simple .
Again , with performers like Streep and Kidman at the center , it ’s no surpriseThe Promwished to put a public eye on them . However , Murphy and co. might ’ve been smart to nudge things in Emma and Alyssa ’s direction more often . Visually , The Promis a musical extravaganza that feels perfect for the holidays , and the melodic numbers are staged beautifully . Where the movie stumble is in its core subject matter of toleration , which is hindered by unimaginative performances and rush heel - turns . What audience are left with is an undeniably hopeful and necessary story , yet one that ’s a chip flawed .
More : The Prom Movie Trailer
The Prombegins streaming on Netflix on December 11 . It is 130 minutes and rat PG-13 for thematic elements , some suggestive / sexual consultation , and speech .
James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, and Meryl Streep in The Prom
The Prom is a 2020 melodious comedy from American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy . Adapted from Matthew Sklar ’s 2018 musical , The Prom follow a group of theater stars who travel to Indiana in backing of a untried high school girl who want to take her girlfriend to the school prom .
Nicole Kidman and Jo Ellen Pellman in The Prom
