Name: The Prom
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2020-12-02T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Keegan-Michael Key

The opening number of “The Prom” is a spectacle of glitter and grandeur, as a troupe of Broadway stars—led by Meryl Streep‘s Dee Dee Allen and James Corden’s Barry Glickman—invades the small town of Edgewater, Indiana. Their mission? To salvage their reputations by championing two lesbian students denied the right to attend prom together. Ryan Murphy directs this musical comedy with his signature camp sensibilities, but the result is a mixed bag of heart and hype.

Grounded in the real-world struggle of Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman), a young woman ostracized for her sexuality, “The Prom” has a compelling core. The film tackles themes of acceptance and the power of community, wrapped in a glossy musical package. Streep and Corden shine as the flamboyant, self-absorbed actors whose journey from fame-seeking to genuine activism is both funny and touching. Their performances are the film’s highlight, particularly Streep’s scene-stealing antics and Corden’s heartfelt moments.

The musical numbers are a visual treat, blending Broadway extravagance with small-town charm. “Zazz,” performed by Nicole Kidman‘s Angie Dickinson, is a standout, combining glamour and humor in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The supporting cast, including Kerry Washington as Emma’s mother and Andrew Rannells as the conflicted Trent Oliver, add depth to the story with their nuanced performances.

However, “The Prom” stumbles in its pacing and tone. The film struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, often veering from heartfelt to hokey without smooth transition. Some of the musical numbers feel disjointed, disrupting the narrative flow. Additionally, while the central message of acceptance is clear, the film sometimes leans too heavily on broad stereotypes, particularly in its portrayal of the conservative townsfolk.

The film’s originality is both its strength and weakness. Murphy’s bold choices—such as the over-the-top musical sequences and the casting of A-list actors in supporting roles—make “The Prom” visually distinctive. Yet, these same choices can feel gimmicky at times, overshadowing the more grounded emotional beats.

“The Prom” is a film that aims high and mostly lands, thanks to its stellar performances and vibrant musical numbers.