Review: Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

When a beloved stage musical makes its way to the big screen, there's always a mix of excitement and trepidation among fans and collectors. Dear Evan Hansen, the 2021 adaptation of the award-winning Broadway show, is no exception. The film attempts to capture the emotional depth and musical brilliance that made the stage version a hit. However, transitioning from live theater to cinema can lead to a few bumps in the road, and Dear Evan Hansen's journey is a bit of a rocky one.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school student who finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit after a classmate's tragic death. Evan's therapist has encouraged him to write letters to himself as a confidence-building exercise. When one of these letters ends up in the hands of Connor Murphy, a troubled classmate, a series of misunderstandings snowball into a situation that spirals out of control. Evan is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, navigating a precarious situation that brings both unexpected friendships and complicated moral dilemmas.

Performances

Ben Platt reprises his role as Evan Hansen, a decision that sparked considerable debate given his age compared to the teenage character he plays. While Platt's vocal prowess is undeniable, his portrayal sometimes struggles to capture the youthful authenticity required to make Evan's journey believable on screen. Still, his performance is earnest and deeply felt, particularly in the musical numbers where his vocal talent shines.

Kaitlyn Dever portrays Zoe Murphy, Connor's sister and Evan's love interest. Dever's performance is one of the highlights of the film, as she brings a grounded and nuanced presence to her role. Her chemistry with Platt is believable, adding layers to the complex emotions their characters navigate.

The supporting cast, including Amy Adams as Connor's grieving mother and Julianne Moore as Evan's overworked single mother, deliver solid performances that add depth to the story. Adams and Moore, in particular, bring a sense of gravitas to their roles, providing the emotional heft needed to balance the film's heavier themes.

Direction and Craft

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, known for his work on films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Dear Evan Hansen struggles to find its footing in the transition from stage to screen. The film occasionally falters in its pacing, with some scenes feeling drawn out while others rush by too quickly. Chbosky's direction aims to capture the intimate and personal nature of the story, but the film at times feels more like a series of music videos than a cohesive narrative.

Visually, the film is polished, yet it lacks the dynamic energy that can be found in the live performances. The cinematography does a fine job of highlighting the emotional beats of the story, but it never quite captures the same spark that made the stage production so engaging.

Musically, the film retains the beloved score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, which remains a strong point. The songs are performed with passion and skill, ensuring that fans of the musical will still find enjoyment in the film adaptation.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, Dear Evan Hansen (2021) presents an intriguing addition to any musical film collection. While it may not achieve the same level of impact as its stage counterpart, it still offers a chance to experience the story in a new medium. The Blu-ray format is the best choice for collectors, as it provides superior audio and visual quality that brings out the richness of the film's musical numbers.

In terms of rarity, the film is widely available and falls into the common category. So, acquiring a copy shouldn't pose much of a challenge. Despite its flaws, Dear Evan Hansen (2021) is worth adding to your collection, especially if you're a fan of musicals. Opt for Blu-ray for the best audio and visual experience.

Conclusion

Dear Evan Hansen's transition from stage to screen is a mixed bag that captures some of the original's emotional depth while stumbling in its visual execution. It offers strong performances and musical numbers that will appeal to fans, though its narrative pacing and visual choices leave room for improvement. As a physical media collector, it's an interesting piece to own, particularly if you appreciate musicals and want to see how they adapt in different formats. With a star rating of 3 out of 5, it's a solid, if not spectacular, addition to a well-rounded collection.