Opened: September 24, 2021

Directed by: Stephen Chbosky

Starring: Ben Platt, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Danny Pino, Colton Ryan, DeMarius Copes, Liz Kate & Isaac Powell

Let’s start with the main issue: Ben Platt looks too old to play Evan Hansen. People appear differently depending on age, but he physically doesn’t look like a high schooler. His talent saves him, but that may not be enough for some.

Connor (Colton Ryan) kills himself after he steals a letter Evan wrote for a therapy session. Connor’s parents (Amy Adams & Danny Pino) find the letter and assume it’s Connor’s suicide note addressed to Evan. Socially awkward, Evan doesn’t deny it and lies about their friendship.

The storyline feels wrong on the screen in a way that was forgivable onstage. Maybe it was the blackouts on stage or the fact that it’s harder to see characters’ given emotions but while the film still brings tears, they’re not the same as the stage show.

Final say: Morally questionable. ★★☆☆☆