Bonus Track

After watching a few really heavy gay-themed movies lately, this was absolutely the tonic I needed.

How lucky are young queer kids today that they get the opportunity to watch movies like this.

Some might say it's tropey, but I absolutely believe that this story hasn't been done in this way for a queer audience before.

It's warm, funny, sweet - but not as 'sickly sweet' as Heartstopper, which has been criticised as being a very sanitised version of a teen gay romance. This on the other hand feels less wistful and a bit more real (obviously it's still somewhat in the fantasy category though).

Very emotive like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and really funny and taps into cultural references and great music like Big Boys. In fact, this is a great pick me up after the finale of season 3 of Big Boys.

If this was distributed on Netflix, it would be going crazy. This could be the best gay movie you've never heard of!

Thank you to the creators. Brilliant!

I have been waiting excitedly to see this movie for so many months. As a Gay Young Adult I was looking forward to a new Coming of Age Story that seemed sweet from the promotional pictures I had seen. Yes it was Sweet, but there was not much going on other than knowing that both Characters "George and Max" Liked each other. The Story was cute "fluffy type of movie" but there was a lack of exploration regarding George's first relationship and the growing feelings between the two characters was a fail. This was more like a "Hallmark" movie rather than the comparison that some have made to "Heartstopper (which this movie should not in any way be compared to it)" it was cute but it ends there. This movie has no re-watch potential IMO as the storyline is too simplistic.

Just finished Bonus Track and honestly, I loved it. It's the kind of queer coming-of-age story that really gets under your skin in the best way-emotional, tender, and beautifully real. The chemistry between the two leads felt so natural and heartfelt, and the way the film handled identity, love, and self-expression was subtle but powerful. I could see parts of myself in the characters, especially in the quiet moments of vulnerability and longing. The cinematography was warm and intimate, and the soundtrack? Absolute perfection. Definitely one of those indie gems that stays with you after the credits roll. Highly recommend if you're into honest, beautifully told queer stories with heart.

Bottom line is that this is a meant to be a sweet coming out tale between two 16 year old boys and some of it is sweet, but a lot of it is fanciful, unrealistic and syrupy. The lead, Joe Anders as George, does a pretty good job as a closeted student whose only interests seem to be music and a new, and famous, new student named Max played somewhat adequately by Samuel Paul Small, the eventual love interest. George is super introverted and bullied by many, especially a horrible girl named Molly. All of this fairy tale like piece leads to Max giving George confidence and a school talent show and, of course, love between George and Max blooms. While it does have some sweet moments, if all of this sounds rather mundane, well, it is. I do wish I could be more supportive of this as it is co-written & co-produced by an actor I greatly admire, Josh O'Connor, who also has a small role here, but that admiration doesn't make this a better film.

George Bobbin is a shy, underperforming teenager who hasn't quite found his way yet. What he does know is he loves music. Then along comes Max, the son of a famous rock duo who have just recently separated leaving Max to live with his mom in Yorkshire where he meets George at his new school. Maxs' captivating smile seems to immediately get George's attention while Max seems to be magnetically drawn to George. Max befriends George offering to help him with his musical desire to enter the end of year talent show. While both have music in common, they find that as their friendship grows their attraction to one another does as well. Relentlessly pursued by the ever intrusive press, Max makes the hard decision to move with his father in London far away from Yorkshire and George. George has to learn to step up for what he believes in, and break the shy nature he has grown so comfortable with.

Bonus Track is a fun, light-hearted romantic comedy that will leave you just a little bit obsessed with George and Max and they're budding romance. I found myself rewatching scenes that touched my heart and I think you will too. There's something so charming about Max, played by Samuel Small, that leaves you wanting to see him more. His confident demeanor is strong throughout the film until one scene when he shows his vulnerability making him that much more relatable. This will definitely be one of my favorite coming of age movies for years to come.