Why Does TikTok Hate Evan Hansen so Much?
There is definitely a bit of sweet, outspoken irony when the film, supposedly about overcoming bullying, makes fun of itself to the core. Dear Evan Hansen plays Ben Platt (who first played the role on Broadway) as Evan Hansen, a high school student with social anxiety. After his classmate kills himself, Evan allows the lies to spiral out of control when the grieving family believes he was a close friend of their son. This is followed by manipulation and anxiety.
Dear Evan Hansen won six Tony Awards in 2017, but the adaptation flopped at the box office when it premiered last month. For anyone who has been a little bit on the verge of Twitter and TikTok film or music theater, this flop shouldn’t come as a surprise – the hype before the release was n’t very good . But why exactly are TikTokers taking this movie so violently ? No one will ever be able to answer this question correctly, but if hating Hansen confuses you, here are the main reasons that fuel it.
Disclaimer: This should not be taken as a review of a film or production, but as an attempt to shed light on how and why it was consigned to oblivion .
The plot, he is “Who allowed it?” response
“The music is great, just ignore the plot.” – Lovers of musical theater are everywhere, forever. Unlike many previous film adaptations, Dear Evan Hansen does not struggle to stay true to the storyline of the stage version; instead, the problem is that it illuminates already glaring flaws too brightly. TikTok popular creator and critic Lena Wilson ( @neilsmom ) said about it this way : “I think the problem is that many critics for the first time studied the story in the film, and it is not easy to swallow.” For context, here’s a quick rundown of what’s going on at Dear Evan Hansen (with major spoilers ):
Evan Hansen is a teenager with social anxiety. His therapist recommends writing letters to yourself about what will be good every day. Connor Murphy, an outside observer who mocks Evan, steals one of those letters. After Connor commits suicide, the Murphy family mistakenly clings to this letter as proof that Evan was Connor’s true best friend. Evan can’t fix them. He falls into the trap of lies and ends up becoming a viral sensation, reminding struggling teens everywhere that they are not alone. As the lies grow, Evan gets everything he ever wanted: recognition from peers, interest from his love (supposedly grieving sister Connor), and most of all, love from the Murphy family – something that, how he feels he has never received from his single mother (who is clearly trying her best). His lies are eventually revealed, but then is Evan kind of … just … forgiven for his wrongdoing, both by the other characters and by the narrative itself?
Since the show’s debut, despite its enthusiastic reception, some viewers have felt that Evan is being manipulated by a liar and not worthy of the show that is built around him. Despite the constant reminders that he is deeply disturbed and “looking from the outside”, Evan is still a white guy who is not gay at all (more on that soon). Today’s viewers can find it hard to believe in the “otherness” that is meant to allow us to root for his disastrous decisions – not to mention the fact that he ultimately seeks forgiveness without even paying the price for his wild lies.
So: if you already liked the original musical and were not bothered by the twists and turns of the plot, then you may still like the film. If you already hated the original musical, then your excuse. And if this is your first time discovering the plot in a movie, prepare your mind for confusion and hatred.
Ben Platt’s age
Ben Platt doesn’t look like a high school student (not surprising given that he was 27 years old at the time of filming). The way he actually looks seems to be meme worthy . So why was Platt cast on any of his talented (and more age-appropriate) successors to the role, such as Andrew Bart Feldman, Noah Galvin, or Jordan Fisher? Well, many attribute the reason to the show’s producer who happens to be …
Ben Platt’s father
Mark Platt (Ben’s father) is a well-known and highly successful producer of Dear Evan Hansen . Children these days hate nepotism! Well, maybe not the children of high-profile Hollywood insiders; these kids are probably cool with a little nepotism. Yes, Platt has had a role in workshops and on Broadway. But history has already shown us how it turned out with the film adaptation of ” Rent” .
Oh Evan straight?
If you thought this was a strange story, you are not alone. Do yourself a favor and read Madison Malone Kircher’s article for Slate , which details the widespread belief in Evan’s weirdness (as well as toxic masculinity in the game) and the implications of discovering that the story is about a different story.
Once again: This is truly an incredible meme worthy
Ben Platt’s crying face . Running Ben Platt. The endless ability of society to mock the children of the theater. I usually don’t feel good when musical theater is ripped out of its home on stage – a safe place to jerk off – and put into the spotlight where athletes, geeks, goths, and all corners of the status quo can expose it to massive exploration. (This is me acting as Lin Manuel Miranda’s apologist). But now, instead of defending themselves, traditional theater folks have also jumped at the opportunity to taunt dear Evan Hansen in front of a wide audience. Perhaps this alliance of theater lovers and theater haters will help explain why so many netizens hate this movie.
If you’re looking for an alternative show about anxious kids struggling to adjust, we recommend watching Be More Chill . Less lies to seduce the sister of a dead classmate, and more sci-fi solutions to swim in the treacherous waters of high school popularity.