The Prom (2020)

The Prom Poster

After the PTA of a conservative high school in Indiana bans same-sex couples from attending the annual prom, a gang of flamboyant Broadway stars try to boost their image by showing up to support two lesbian students.

Plot Summary
"The Prom" is a 2020 American musical movie directed by Ryan Murphy, based upon the eponymous Broadway musical. It includes a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and Andrew Rannells.

The primary plot revolves around a gay high school student named Emma (Jo Ellen Pellman) from a little Indiana town. She wishes to take her sweetheart, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose), to the prom, however the PTA, led by Alyssa's mom Mrs. Greene (Kerry Washington), cancels the occasion to prevent Emma from going to.

Following a not successful Broadway show, a group of theater stars comprising Dee Allen (Meryl Streep), Barry Glickman (James Corden), Angie Dickinson (Nicole Kidman), and Trent Oliver (Andrew Rannells) decide to resurrect their public image by promoting a cause. They stumbles upon Emma's story and choose to help her battle versus the homophobic PTA's choice.

Occasions and Challenges
Persuading Edgewater, Indiana to change its stance proves to be a challenging obstacle. The theater performers's initiatives, from rallying public support to trying to stage a more inclusive senior prom, meet with resistance and stark cultural clashes. On the other hand, Emma and Alyssa come to grips with their relationship under the discriminative societal look. Alyssa, in particular, has a hard time to reconcile her love for Emma and her loyalty to her conservative mother.

Climactic Events and Resolution
In a significant scene at a beast truck rally, the 4 Broadway stars publicly implicate Mrs. Greene of bigotry. Nevertheless, this backfires as they unknowingly out Alyssa, who hasn't yet come out to her mom or the broader community, causing a rift in between Emma and the stars.

Feeling beat, Barry, who relates deeply with Emma's battles due to his own experience as a gay person, motivates her to stay strong. Emma broadcasts a virtual prom on YouTube, showcasing her bravery and acceptance of her identity, which resonates with numerous and pressures the PTA. At the same time, Dee encourages Mrs. Greene to accept her daughter's sexuality and love for Emma.

Recognizing their mistakes, the Broadway troupe lastly organizes an inclusive prom, with Emma and Alyssa attending together. Mrs. Greene openly apologizes for her bigotry, a decision that breaks the ice for the high school students to celebrate a balanced, inclusive senior prom.

Final Thoughts
"The Prom" perfectly captures the fight against small-town bias and homophobia, reminding all of us of the essential fight for inclusivity and approval through its interesting musical numbers and poignant story. It's a story of triumph, reminding us of the power of empathy, bravery, and accepting oneself and others.

Top Cast

  • Meryl Streep (small)
    Meryl Streep
    Dee Dee Allen
  • James Corden (small)
    James Corden
    Barry Glickman
  • Nicole Kidman (small)
    Nicole Kidman
    Angie Dickinson
  • Kerry Washington (small)
    Kerry Washington
    Mrs. Greene
  • Keegan-Michael Key (small)
    Keegan-Michael Key
    Principal Hawkins
  • Andrew Rannells (small)
    Andrew Rannells
    Trent Oliver
  • Ariana DeBose (small)
    Ariana DeBose
    Alyssa Greene
  • Jo Ellen Pellman (small)
    Jo Ellen Pellman
    Emma Nolan
  • Tracey Ullman (small)
    Tracey Ullman
    Vera
  • Kevin Chamberlin (small)
    Kevin Chamberlin
    Sheldon Saperstein
  • Mary Kay Place (small)
    Mary Kay Place
    Grandma Bea