The Prom Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Four Broadway divas, after their show flops, decide the best way to resurrect their careers is to descend upon a small town and solve a lesbian teen’s prom problem, mostly making it all about themselves.

🍿 The Prom: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Broadway’s Fading Stars

Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman, narcissistic Broadway stars, face career disaster when their Eleanor Roosevelt musical flops. Desperate to revive their public image, they seek a cause to champion. They decide to help Emma Nolan, a high school student in Indiana facing discrimination for wanting to bring her girlfriend to prom.

Indiana Intervention

Dee Dee, Barry, and their friends Angie Dickinson and Trent Oliver descend upon Edgewater, Indiana, intending to advocate for Emma. Their arrival is met with resistance from the conservative community, particularly Mrs. Greene, the head of the PTA. The Broadway stars’ self-centered approach initially exacerbates the situation, highlighting the complexities of performative activism.

A Prom for Everyone

Despite initial setbacks and personal growth challenges, the Broadway stars begin to understand the true meaning of empathy and support. Principal Hawkins, a Broadway enthusiast, becomes an ally to Emma. Ultimately, a new, inclusive prom is organized, allowing Emma to celebrate with her girlfriend Alyssa and the entire community. The film emphasizes the importance of acceptance and self-love.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman): A high-school student in Indiana who faces discrimination for wanting to bring her girlfriend to prom.
• Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep): A narcissistic Broadway star seeking to revive her image by championing Emma’s cause.
• Barry Glickman (James Corden): Another self-absorbed Broadway star who joins Dee Dee in supporting Emma, hoping for good publicity.
• Alyssa Greene (Ariana DeBose): Emma’s closeted girlfriend, struggling with her mother’s expectations and societal pressures.
• Mrs. Greene (Kerry Washington): Alyssa’s conservative mother and head of the PTA, who opposes Emma and Alyssa’s relationship.
• Principal Tom Hawkins (Keegan-Michael Key): The sympathetic principal of James Madison High School who supports Emma and tries to navigate the community’s prejudices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dee Dee Allen: “Is that all you care about? Your image?” – Dee Dee says this while debating why they are actually at the prom, image or for Emma.
• Barry Glickman: “An Insultingly misguided, offensive and laughable performance.” – Review of Barry’s broadway show.
• Principal Hawkins: “Straight people like Broadway too.” – Principal Hawkins states this when talking with Dee Dee about her broadway career.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $187,430

💥 The Prom Reviews

Personal Review

I was so excited to watch this! The Prom is a burst of color and music, exactly what I needed. Meryl Streep is hilarious, and while some moments felt a little too cheesy, the overall message of acceptance and being true to yourself really resonated. The musical numbers are catchy, and the ending made me smile. I think this is definitely a fun movie to watch with friends, and I’ll probably watch it again soon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy campy, feel-good movies”
  • “Meryl Streep fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Themes of homophobia and discrimination”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “While undeniably feel-good, ‘The Prom’ occasionally stumbles with its heavy-handedness, but is saved by the strong performances of its cast, especially Meryl Streep. It’s a vibrant, if uneven, adaptation that champions inclusivity with a Broadway-sized heart.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The Prom’s energy is infectious, but its social commentary feels dated and simplistic. James Corden’s performance has also drawn deserved criticism. Still, it’s a fun, if flawed, musical with a message that’s always timely.
• Variety: “A blast of pure Broadway energy. ‘The Prom’ is a joyful celebration of inclusivity and self-acceptance, even if it occasionally sacrifices nuance for spectacle.

Audience Reactions

The vibrant costumes and sets were visually stunning.: Most viewers praised the movie’s energy, musical numbers, and positive message, even if some found it over-the-top.

Many found James Corden’s performance as Barry Glickman problematic: Some felt it relied on stereotypes and perpetuated harmful depictions.

Overall Consensus: The Prom is a visually appealing and entertaining musical with a heartwarming message, though it sometimes suffers from being too heavy-handed and uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2018 Broadway musical of the same name.”
• “Several real Broadway actors and personalities make cameo appearances.”
• “The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles was used to represent the Shubert Theatre in New York for scenes from the show ‘Eleanor’.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Prom?

The Prom is available to stream on Netflix. Purchase or rental options are currently not available on platforms such as Prime Video or Apple TV. Check local listings for potential television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Prom, you might like these similar films:

• Hairspray (2007): Both movies feature a message of inclusivity and acceptance told through vibrant musical numbers and a focus on social change.
• Glee (2009-2015): Shares similar themes of inclusivity, musical performances, and high school drama, with a focus on acceptance and overcoming social barriers.
• Love, Simon (2018): A coming-of-age story about a closeted gay teenager navigating high school and self-acceptance, mirroring Emma’s journey in ‘The Prom’.

🛒 The Prom Related Products

• The Prom: A Novel Based on the Hit Broadway Musical: Relive the magic of ‘The Prom’ with this heartwarming novel adaptation. Experience the story of Emma and the Broadway stars in a new way, filled with even more depth and emotion.
• The Prom: Original Broadway Cast Recording: Listen to the songs in the movie on repeat! With the Original Broadway Cast Recording, experience the full emotion and magic behind each musical number.
• ‘The Prom’ Inspired ‘Acceptance’ Graphic T-Shirt: Show your support for inclusivity with this stylish t-shirt featuring inspirational quotes from the movie!
• Dance Class: Become a star dancer and put on your own prom with this Dance Class game. Work on all your dance moves and dazzle the crowds.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Prom features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tonight Belongs to You” – performed by Cast of The Prom
• “It’s Not About Me” – performed by Meryl Streep
• “Zazz” – performed by Nicole Kidman
• “Unruly Heart” – performed by Jo Ellen Pellman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Love Thy Neighbor” Full Performance feat. Andrew Rannells | The Prom | Netflix

Okay, but seriously, this performance of ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ is pure Broadway magic! Andrew Rannells *kills* it, and the staging is incredible. Even if you’re not a huge musical fan, this number is worth checking out – it’s so catchy!

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