The Prom (film) explained

Director:Ryan Murphy
Cinematography:Matthew Libatique
Studio:Ryan Murphy Productions
Distributor:Netflix
Runtime:131 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English
Gross:$187,430[1]

The Prom is a 2020 American musical comedy film directed by Ryan Murphy from a screenplay by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, based on the 2018 Broadway musical of the same name by Martin, Beguelin, and Matthew Sklar. The film stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Chamberlin, Mary Kay Place, and Kerry Washington, and introduces Jo Ellen Pellman in her film debut as Emma Nolan. Logan Riley Hassel, Sofia Deler, Nico Greetham, and Nathaniel J. Potvin also appear in supporting roles.

A film adaptation of The Prom was announced to be in development in April 2019, with Murphy confirming himself to be director and also serving as a co-producer along with Alexis Martin Woodall, Adam Anders, Dori Berinstein, and former DreamWorks Animation chief creative officer Bill Damaschke. Beguelin and Martin were soon after announced to be adapting their book into the screenplay, with Beguelin working with Sklar to rework their songs from the musical for the film. Additionally, Sklar also composed the film's incidental score with David Klotz, while Murphy, Anders, and Peer Åström served as music producers. The cast was filled out starting in June 2019, including Pellman, Streep, Corden, Kidman, Key, DeBose, Hassel, Deler, Greetham, Potvin, Rannells, Ullman, Chamberlin, Place, and Washington. Principal photography took place beginning in December 2019, but was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before resuming that July.

The Prom had a limited theatrical release on December 4, 2020, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 11.[2] The film received mixed reviews by critics, who praised the message, musical numbers and ensemble cast, but criticized the narrative and stereotypes, as well as Corden's performance.

Plot

In Edgewater, Indiana, James Madison High School's head of the PTA, Mrs. Greene announces the school's prom will be canceled as the lesbian student Emma Nolan planned to attend with a girl. Emma's girlfriend is Alyssa, Mrs. Greene's closeted daughter. Principal Tom Hawkins supports Emma, but is powerless against the PTA's decision.

Meanwhile, in NYC, Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman are disappointed after their show Eleanor! The Eleanor Roosevelt Story closes on opening night as the New York Times blasts their performances. They are comforted by former sitcom star Trent Oliver, who now only plays forgettable supporting roles, and Angie Dickinson, who just quit the chorus line of Chicago after being passed over for the role of Roxie Hart.

Barry realizes they all need a cause to revitalize their careers. Finding Emma's story on Twitter, the actors drive to Indiana with the non-Equity touring cast of Godspell and publicist Sheldon Saperstein.

At school, Emma is bullied and harassed by students Kaylee, Shelby, Nick and Kevin, who blame her for ruining prom. The actors barge into the next PTA meeting and attempt to rally support for Emma. Hawkins, a big fan of Dee Dee's, unsuccessfully tries to get her to back off.

The actors book a gig as the entertainment for a monster truck rally, but are booed off the stage for preaching about acceptance. Hawkins tells them the Indiana Supreme Court has ruled that James Madison must allow Emma to attend prom. That evening, he and Dee Dee bond over dinner.

The next day, is day. Barry visits Emma at her grandmother Bea's. She has been living here since her sixteenth birthday when her parents threw her out for being gay. Barry tells Emma that he ran away from home at 16 because he knew his parents wouldn't accept his sexual orientation and has not spoken to them since.

It is later revealed that the PTA has exploited a loophole in the Court's ruling by arranging for her to attend a separate prom alone while the rest of the students go to the real one at a private club. Emma calls Alyssa for support, however she is too scared of losing her mother to come out. Hawkins is disgusted when he learns the real reason that Dee Dee came to Indiana was to use Emma to prop up her career.

The next day, Mrs. Greene holds a press conference about the two proms. Angie comforts a heartbroken Emma, while Barry persuades Dee Dee to get Emma on her ex-husband Eddie Sharp's talk show; in response, she insists that he call his mother Vera and make peace with her. Dee Dee apologizes to Hawkins for lying to him and they reconcile. Emma, upset that Alyssa won't stand up to her mother, breaks up with her.

Trent confronts Emma's tormentors, persuading them to support her with help from the Godspell cast. Dee Dee arrives at the motel and tells everyone she traded Eddie her house in The Hamptons for Emma's slot on his show. However, Emma turns the offer down to tell her story her own way. She sings a song she wrote during a livestream, which goes viral. The actors pool their finances to throw an all-inclusive prom for Emma. Afterward, Dee Dee tells Barry she called Vera, who wants to talk to him. Vera apologizes to Barry for her past treatment of him, so they make peace.

Kaylee, Shelby, Nick and Kevin apologize to Alyssa and Emma for their behavior. Mrs. Greene tries to stop their preparations for the prom. When Alyssa reveals who she really is, her mother leaves. Alyssa and Emma reconcile.

Later that night, Emma and Alyssa arrive early to meet with the actors, Sheldon, Bea, and Vera. Angie learns that she has been cast as Roxie Hart as Tina Louise has contracted shingles, Trent retires from acting to become James Madison's new drama teacher, and Barry is crowned prom king. The students and many teens from the local LGBT community show up to the prom in support of Emma. As the event begins, Mrs. Greene arrives, apologizes, and embraces Alyssa, accepting her for who she is. Dee Dee and Principal Hawkins share a kiss and start a relationship. Emma and Alyssa share their first public kiss and everyone celebrates.

Cast

Soundtrack

The Prom
(Music from the Netflix Film)
Type:soundtrack
Artist:Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin, Adam Anders, and Peer Astrom
Length:1:00:44

The soundtrack was released digitally on December 4, 2020, by Maisie Music, with a physical release on December 18.[3]

Production

The film is based on the same premise as the musical of the same name, that uses music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin, based on an original concept by Jack Viertel.[4] The film is also loosely based around the 2010 Itawamba County School District prom controversy.

CNN notes the film project is on "theme with Murphy's advocacy for more inclusivity in Hollywood" including his spearheading the 2017 Half Initiative, to "create equal representation for women and minorities behind the camera".[5] Murphy announced plans for the adaptation during a charity performance of the musical at New York's Longacre Theatre in April 2019.[6] [7]

On June 25, 2019, Meryl Streep, James Corden, Andrew Rannells and Nicole Kidman were revealed to be cast as the four leads, with Keegan-Michael Key as the school principal.[8] Ariana Grande was initially cast as Alyssa Greene, a popular but closeted cheerleader and Emma's girlfriend, but scheduling conflicts with the Sweetener World Tour forced Grande to drop out.[9] Kerry Washington was cast in October, with Ariana DeBose joining in November, replacing Grande in the role of Alyssa. Jo Ellen Pellman was also cast as Emma following a nationwide search.[10] [11] [12] Madelaine Petsch also auditioned for Pellman's role.[13] The project is the first film under Murphy's $300 million deal with Netflix, and fifth overall.[14] [15] On January 25, 2020, Awkwafina dropped out of the film due to scheduling conflicts and Kevin Chamberlin was recast as Sheldon Saperstein.[16] [17] On June 25, 2020, Tracey Ullman and Mary Kay Place were revealed to star in the film.[18]

Filming commenced on December 11, 2019, in Los Angeles.[19] On March 12, 2020, production was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, the leads had wrapped filming, with only two days of second unit filming left, which was initially scheduled to resume in mid-April, but was ultimately delayed to summer.[20] [21] Production resumed on July 23, 2020.[22]

Release

The Prom had an awards-qualifying limited theatrical release on December 4, 2020, before being released digitally on December 11 by Netflix.[23] It was the second-most watched film over its first weekend on the platform, before falling to tenth in its second week.[24] [25]

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of based on reviews, with an average rating of . The website's critics consensus reads: "Through fiery songs and dance breaks, The Proms bonanza of glitz, glitter, and jazz hands might be enough to whisk audiences away."[26] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 55 out of 100, based on 35 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[27]

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave the film four out of five stars, writing that it is "so goofy that you just have to enjoy it". He went on to praise the musical numbers and the film's message of self-love.[28] Brian Pruitt of USA Today also gave the film four stars out of four, calling it a "joyous adaptation".[29] In AfterEllen, Claire Heuchan described the film as "a sweet homage to all the young lesbians and gays finding the courage to live and love authentically."[30] In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney noted that "there’s something to be said for the wide reach of a Netflix feature that champions the rights of LGBTQ teens, sharing a message that’s easy to endorse even if the delivery tends to grate."

Of the opposing opinion, Mary Sollosi of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a "D" grade calling it "narratively sloppy, emotionally false, visually ugly, morally superior, and at least 15 minutes too long".[31] Jesse Hassenger of The A.V. Club gave the film a "D+" describing it as "all-star, feel-good, zazzy nonsense".[32]

James Corden's performance was criticized as offensive by some; Corden himself is straight while the character is gay and some said his performance perpetuated, and capitalized on, stereotypes of gay men.[33] Regarding his depiction of a flamboyant gay man, David Rooney wrote that "perhaps aware of the potential minefield for a straight actor playing a flaming gay stereotype, Corden channels the mannerisms without the joy."

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)Result
Art Directors Guild AwardsApril 10, 2021Excellence in Production Design for a Contemporary FilmJamie Walker McCall[34]
Costume Designers Guild AwardsApril 13, 2021Excellence in Contemporary FilmLou Eyrich[35]
GLAAD Media AwardsApril 8, 2021Outstanding Film – Wide ReleaseThe Prom[36]
Golden Globe AwardsFebruary 28, 2021Best Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyThe Prom[37]
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or ComedyJames Corden
Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild AwardsApril 3, 2021Best Contemporary Make-UpEryn Krueger Mekash, J. Roy Helland, Kyra Panchenko and Donald McInnes[38]
Best Contemporary Hair StylingChris Clark, Natalie Driscoll, Ka’Maura Eley and J. Roy Helland
Motion Picture Sound Editors AwardsApril 16, 2021Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Musical for Feature FilmNick Baxter and David Klotz[39]
Satellite AwardsFebruary 15, 2021Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or MusicalMeryl Streep[40]
Best Supporting Actress – Motion PictureNicole Kidman
Best Art Direction and Production DesignJamie Walker McCall and Gene Serdena
Best Sound (Editing and Mixing)Gary Megregian, David Giammarco, Mark Paterson and Steven A. Morrow
Set Decorators Society of America AwardsMarch 31, 2021Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Comedy or Musical Feature FilmGene Serdena and Jamie Walker McCall[41]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Prom (2020) . . December 17, 2020.
  2. News: Rooney . David . 'The Prom': Film Review . . December 1, 2020 . December 2, 2020.
  3. Web site: The Prom (Music from the Netflix Film) by The Cast Of Netflix's Film The Prom on Apple Music. 2020-12-15. music.apple.com. December 4, 2020.
  4. First Look: The Prom Will Bring Gay Teen Romantic Farce to Broadway This Fall. Bryant. Kenzie. June 13, 2018. Vanity Fair. June 22, 2018. en.
  5. Web site: Ryan Murphy adapting 'The Prom' for Netflix with all-star cast. Friedlander. Whitney. June 25, 2019. CNN. en. July 2, 2019.
  6. Gardner . Chris . Ryan Murphy Sets Movie Adaptation of Broadway Musical 'The Prom' at Netflix . The Hollywood Reporter . April 9, 2019 . June 25, 2019.
  7. Peikert . Mark . Broadway's The Prom to Become Netflix Movie Event . . 0551-0678 . April 9, 2019 . June 25, 2019.
  8. News: Friedlander . Whitney . Meryl Streep set to star in Ryan Murphy's all-star adaptation of 'The Prom' . June 25, 2019 . . June 25, 2019.
  9. News: Rossignol . Derrick . Updated: Ariana Grande Will Not Be Involved In Netflix's Musical Adaptation Of 'The Prom' . June 25, 2019 . Uproxx.
  10. Web site: Kerry Washington Joins Meryl Streep & Nicole Kidman In Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom'. Deadline Hollywood. Amanda. N'Duka. October 10, 2019. September 13, 2020.
  11. Web site: 'The Prom': Ryan Murphy Netflix Adaptation Adds 'West Side Story' Actress Ariana Debose. Deadline Hollywood. Amanda. N'Duka. November 1, 2019. September 13, 2020.
  12. Web site: 'The Prom': Ryan Murphy Sets Newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman For Lead As Netflix Film Adaptation Rounds Out Cast. Deadline Hollywood. Amanda. N'Duka. November 25, 2019. September 13, 2020.
  13. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j-_eqKH1UKA Madelaine Persch Audition Tape
  14. Vlessing . Etan . Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman Lead Cast for Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' Movie at Netflix . . June 25, 2019 . June 25, 2019.
  15. Daw . Stephen . Ryan Murphy Casts Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman & More in Netflix's 'The Prom' Adaptation . . June 25, 2019 . June 25, 2019.
  16. Web site: Ryan Murphy Sets Netflix 'Prom' Musical: Streep, Corden, Kidman, Ariana Grande, Awkwafina, Key, Rannells To Star. June 25, 2019. Deadline. en. June 25, 2019.
  17. Web site: The Prom. Production List. October 14, 2019. December 1, 2019.
  18. Web site: ACTOR KEVIN CHAMBERLIN CHATS ABOUT BROADWAY, PLAYING BERTRAM ON JESSE ON THE DISNEY CHANNEL AND FILMING THE UPCOMING NETFLIX RYAN MURPHY FILM THE PROM. I Love My Wife Podcast. June 25, 2020. July 2, 2020.
  19. Web site: Meryl Streep project The Prom begins filming in LA. www.kftv.com. Chris. Evans. December 11, 2019. September 5, 2020.
  20. Web site: Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' Film Shuts Down Production Over Coronavirus Concerns. Deadline Hollywood. Dominic. Patten. March 12, 2020. September 13, 2020.
  21. Web site: Ryan Murphy Says His Netflix Movie 'The Prom' Is Nearly Complete. Collider. Gregory. Lawrence. April 30, 2020. April 30, 2020.
  22. Web site: Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' to Restart Production in Los Angeles (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Bryn. Elise Sandberg. July 22, 2020. July 22, 2020.
  23. Web site: The Prom, Ryan Murphy's Netflix Musical, Sets December Premiere Date. TVLine. Nick. Caruso. September 13, 2020. September 13, 2020.
  24. News: December 14, 2020 . Brueggemann . Tom . 'Holiday Cheer, New and Old, Leads VOD and Netflix Charts . . December 14, 2020 .
  25. News: December 21, 2020 . Brueggemann . Tom . 'The Croods: A New Age' Beats Out 'Tenet' On VOD in Surprising Shakeup . . December 22, 2020 .
  26. Web site: The Prom (2020). Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. .
  27. Web site: The Prom Reviews . Metacritic . January 13, 2021.
  28. Web site: The Prom review – is Ryan Murphy's musical the first film of the Biden era?. Peter. Bradshaw. The Guardian. December 2020. December 1, 2020.
  29. Web site: Netflix's stellar musical 'The Prom' goes big with Meryl Streep, James Corden and inclusion. Brian. Truitt. USA Today. December 1, 2020. December 1, 2020.
  30. News: Heuchan . Claire . Prom Review: Sequins and Sapphic Love Make this Musical a Triumph . . 10 January 2022 . February 18, 2021.
  31. Please, by all means, call off The Prom: Review. Mary. Sollosi. Entertainment Weekly. December 1, 2020. December 1, 2020.
  32. Web site: An all-star cast goes to The Prom in Ryan Murphy's insufferable Broadway adaptation. Jesse. Hassenger. The A.V. Club. December 1, 2020. December 1, 2020.
  33. Web site: Why Are Critics Outraged Over James Corden? Debating Ryan Murphy's 'Prom' Casting. IndieWire. December 12, 2020. December 21, 2020.
  34. Web site: 2021 ADG AWARDS NOMINEES. Art Directors Guild. March 4, 2021.
  35. Web site: Costume Designers Guild Awards: 'Schitt's Creek' & 'Queen's Gambit' Among TV Winners – Updating Live. April 13, 2021. April 13, 2021. Deadline Hollywood. Erik. Pederson.
  36. Web site: GLAAD Unveils Nominees For 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards; Deadline's New Hollywood Podcast Honored With Special Recognition Award . Dino-Ray . Ramos . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210128190335/https://deadline.com/2021/01/glaad-media-awards-32nd-annual-deadlines-new-hollywood-podcast-representation-inclusion-diversity-lgtbq-1234681899/ . January 28, 2021 . January 28, 2021 . February 2, 2021 .
  37. Web site: Golden Globes 2021: The Complete Nominations List . Oganesyan & Moreau . Natalie & Jordan . February 3, 2021 . Variety . en-GB . February 3, 2021.
  38. Web site: Giardina. Carolyn. 2021-02-18. 'Bill & Ted Face the Music' Leads Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards Nominations. 2021-02-25. The Hollywood Reporter.
  39. Web site: Sound Editors Nominate 'Wonder Woman', 'Sound Of Metal', 'Tenet' & Others For Golden Reel Awards – Full List . Erik Pederson . March 1, 2021 . . . March 1, 2021.
  40. Web site: 25th Satellite Awards Nominees for Motion Pictures and Television Announced . Van Blaricom . Mirjana . February 1, 2021 . . February 1, 2021.
  41. Web site: Grobar. Matt. Set Decorators Society Of America Awards: David Fincher's 'Mank' Tops Winners List With Best Picture & Best Period Design. Deadline Hollywood. June 23, 2021. April 1, 2021.