Bros in the Wild (CREDIT: Nicole Rivelli/Universal Pictures)

Starring: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Guy Branum, Ts Madison, Jim Rash, Eve Lindley, Miss Lawrence, Dot-Marie Jones, Monica Raymund, Guillermo Díaz

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Running Time: 115 Minutes

Rating: R

Release Date: September 30, 2022 (Theaters)

The air conditioning wasn’t working properly in the theater when I went to see Bros, so I had to fan myself with the menu a fair bit. I was able to get through mostly unscathed, but there were definitely some sweat spots. Nevertheless, the movie still resonated in my slightly agitated state.

I believe Billy Eichner has talked about how he would like Bros to be relatable to audiences beyond the queer community. And he certainly doesn’t have to convince me, because ever since I stumbled upon his comedy a little over a decade ago, I’ve recognized him as a kindred spirit. And that connection is now only deeper thanks to Bros, particularly one scene when Billy’s character Bobby explains why he’s so outwardly confident despite the world constantly telling him that he’s not quite the right person to do what he wants to do. I’m no stranger to inner certainty being met with a skeptical “Are you sure?” Billy’s remedy for this feeling was to write and star in an aggressively self-aware rom-com, and that looks like a healthy decision to me.

Grade: LBGQTIAmen