Film Review: "More Than Only," starring Jonathan Daniel Miles, Bjorn Anderson, and Beth Dodge, written and directed by Michelle Leigh, 2017. Brian T. Baker and Darren Hartman, producers.
key words: bullying, disenfranchised persons, gay romance
Jonathan Daniel Miles (L.) and Bjorn Anderson
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The movie follows two main college students as they go through important changes and conquer stages of young adult life. Justin (played by Miles) changes greatly as he pursues Michael (Anderson) and finally convinces him to go on a date with him.
Gays are some of the most disenfranchised persons in society, and in this film the source of the disenfranchisement is Justin's very wealthy father who threatens to "cut him off" if he does not keep his gayness in check.
The fact that the father does not even have a term for Justin's orientation, and attractions, and interests, shows how negatively the man considers his son's true self. The mother says nothing, and in that way she contributes to the bullying of Justin.
The assaults on Justin are all psychological. From an early age, the father does not approve of Justin wanting to wear an apron and bake, wear high heels, and spend a great deal of time writing. Justin does not even share the fact that he wins an award for his writing at a young age.
Once free of his father, it might appear when he goes off to college, Justin nonetheless goes on being harassed by him... now by telephone. The tone and the threat of his father withdrawing support is a huge theme in the film. Justin thinks he will never survive this harassment.
Justin drives a black Porsche paid for by his father. He attends college, with room, board, and tuition all paid for by his father. He stands to lose a great deal if he does not study hard and keep "that other stuff" in check.
Once Justin sees Michael, however, he suddenly finds a new strength--and a new interest in becoming an adult. He changes his life and his perspective, he changes out of the silly flirt he has been and devotes a great deal of energy to get Michael's attention. And get him to agree on the date. And get him to agree to a kiss.
Justin is surrounded by supportive straight friends who are low-key and cool. They accept Justin for who he really is. And they accept this wholesome and focused attention Justin shows to Michael.
I love the two straight dudes who convince him to pursue Michael and the wonderful female friend Brooke (who talks about pregnancy and children a lot) played by Beth Dodge. Some of her scenes steal the show!
Apparently there was a sequel? or a series? that happened after the film so that is something I must track down and watch if I can locate those other events or episodes.
I love that the film shows the major influence this female character has on the gay couple. I would love to see a lot more of Brooke!
Bullying, harassment, threats, and mean comments. That is what many young gays face from their parents--the very people who should support their children, love them, and be the most protective of them. That is often not the case, however.
Miles with Beth Dodge “Brooke”
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Other reviewers mention it is refreshing the film is about an adult romance and coming of age--instead of about sex and parties. I agree. It is nice to see that films can be made about gays who are looking for something real... not just those things that are flying past.
Justin tells us at the start of the film: "My father wanted only two things: straight A's and a straight son."
Though the grades were high, Justin did not turn straight. Nor did he wind up thinking that goal was at all reasonable for himself. He found other things, and other people, to fill his life.
Although there are indeed some cute and perhaps overly idyllic scenes and events later in the film, there are also some realistic ones like Justin's interaction with Michael... and Michael standing up to Justin's parents... and Justin's growth as an adult and partner.
Overall, I think this is a good film because it shows the good that is inside people, the positive goals that can be set, and the matter-of-fact way in which gay people have to lead their lives.
Watch the film and consider how, and why, Justin could have turned out to be a terribly unfulfilled and disenfranchised person.
Find out what the three required tasks are as laid out by Michael. Find out what there is about Michael that attracts Justin to him. And vice versa.
You will also find out what the title of the film means.