This image released by Universal Pictures shows Luke Macfarlane, left, and Billy Eichner in a scene from “Bros.” (Universal Pictures via AP)

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Luke Macfarlane, left, and Billy Eichner in a scene from “Bros.” (Universal Pictures via AP)

On the Screen: ‘Bros’ takes up space on the screen and in the cultural conversation

New comedy tackles chasing dreams and finding love

“Bros” is a film about taking up space. It’s about chasing dreams and it’s about finding love. It is, fundamentally, a romantic comedy. It’s also, in many ways, a film about itself.

“Bros” follows Bobby Lieber — played by writer Billy Eichner — a detached podcaster who is hired as a curator for a museum for LGBTQ+ history. He goes on Grindr dates where he has meaningless sexual encounters with other men, and focuses entirely on his professional life. Until he meets “boring” Aaron Shepard, played by Luke McFarlane.

The two, through a rapidly blossoming relationship, find themselves opening up about their abandoned dreams and achieve better lives together, in somewhat rote but still certainly charming rom-com fare.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Eichner’s Bobby is doubtless the emotional core of the film. An impactful monologue in the film’s second act lays out the themes of the film. As a child, Bobby was told he was “too much.” He was criticized for his voice, his walk, his identity. He describes being told at every turn how the world isn’t ready for people like him — maybe it won’t ever be.

But he commands his own narrative and brashly takes up space, he helps open the museum for LGBTQ+ history to tell stories about Queer people who have been erased from history. He says “confidence is a choice.”

That becomes the main conflict of the film — Aaron is more reserved than Bobby. Around certain people, Aaron asks Bobby to tone things down, to be less. He cannot. He should not.

It’s not hard to see the parallels between that narrative and Eichner’s own personal struggle — and public anger — about trying to make a full budget film from a major studio about Queer people. The film has received solidly positive reviews, but it didn’t bring home much money in its opening weekend. Eichner posted on social media, angry that the film didn’t seem to find an audience.

“Bros” is far from the first film trying to tell a story about Queer people, but it is the first to be put on a stage at this scale. Eichner’s struggle — that the nationwide audience isn’t willing to listen to Queer storytelling — wasn’t disproven.

But “Bros” is a good movie.

“Bros” is funny, “Bros” is charming, “Bros” is something I’ve absolutely never seen before — especially not on the silver screen in Kenai, Alaska.

There’s something for many to connect with in Bobby’s hurt. Many have struggled with the idea that they’re “too much.”

There’s also something to connect with in Aaron, who hates his job helping old folks write their wills but really just wants to make fancy chocolates.

“Bros” is about being an individual without apologizing for it. It’s not a film for Queer people. It’s just a contemporary rom-com.

“Bros” will be playing at Kenai Cinema this weekend. Check showtimes and purchase tickets at catheaters.com.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in Life

These high-protein egg bites are filled with tomatoes, parsley and feta, but any omelet-appropriate toppings will do. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A little care for the caretakers

These high-protein egg bites are perfect for getting a busy teacher through the witching hour in late afternoon.

Dr. Thomas F. Sweeney was a dentist seeking adventure and riches. He also had some mistaken ideas about the difficulties that life in remote Alaska entailed. (Public photo from ancestry.com)
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska Adventure — Part 5

The three-masted ship called the Agate was a reliable 30-year ocean veteran when it entered Cook Inlet in mid-October 1898.

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science students perform “Let’s Eat,” their fifth grade musical, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Healthy eating headlines elementary school musical

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science stages “Let’s Eat” for its annual fifth grade musical.

Blueberries are photographed in Cooper Landing, Alaska, in August 2024. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Minister’s Message: A reminder that the earth provides

There is new life, even when we can’t see it.

The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is held at Kachemak Bay Campus starting on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference returns for 23rd year

This year’s keynote presenter is author Ruth Ozeki.

This salad mixes broccoli, carrots and pineapple chunks for a bright, sweet dish. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A bright and sweet Mother’s Day treat

Broccoli, pineapple and carrots are the heart of this flavorful salad.

file
Minister’s Message: Prudence prevents pain, and, possibly, fender benders

Parents carry the responsibility of passing down prudence and wisdom to their children.

This Library of Congress photo shows the U.S.S. Maine, which exploded and sank in the harbor at Havanna, Cuba, about the same time the Kings County Mining Company’s ship, the Agate left Brooklyn for Alaska. The Maine incident prompted the start of the Spanish-American War and complicated the mining company’s attempt to sail around Cape Horn.
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska adventure — Part 4

The Penney clan experienced a few weeks fraught with the possibility that Mary might never be returning home.

Students throw brightly hued powder into the air during a color run at Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Color run paints students with kaleidoscope of hues

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science on Saturday gathered parents and students… Continue reading

Most Read