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Alex Strangelove (2018) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Alex Strangelove (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 99 min · English
Echo score 67
JustWatch #33,716 4
Directed by
Craig Johnson
Starring
Daniel Doheny, Isabella Amara, Daniel Zolghadri, Joanna Adler, Ayden Mayeri, Annie Q.

Navigating his final year of high school, Alex Truelove finds himself questioning his relationships when a charming new student, Elliot, enters the picture. Torn between his girlfriend, Claire, and these unexpected feelings, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film explores the often-confusing realities of love, sexuality, and the evolving dynamics of friendship during a pivotal moment in his life.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Alex Strangelove
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Alex Strangelove (2018)

Where can you watch Alex Strangelove? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Alex Strangelove Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Alex Strangelove (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Alex Truelove

    played by Daniel Doheny

    Alex is a high school student wrestling with his feelings and sexual identity. He is initially invested in a relationship with Claire, but as events unfold, he discovers more about himself and comes to terms with being gay. His journey is marked by vulnerability, confusion, and ultimately acceptance.

    • 💔 Main Character
    • 🏳️‍🌈 Identity Struggle
  • Claire

    played by Madeline Weinstein

    Claire is a supportive friend who finds herself in a complicated emotional situation when she develops feelings for Alex. Her character highlights the challenges faced in youthful romance and the journey toward self-understanding when confronted with unexpected circumstances.

    • ❤️ Love Interest
    • 🌼 Supportive Friend
  • Elliot

    played by Antonio Marziale

    Elliot is an openly gay teenager who has a crush on Alex, challenging Alex's understanding of his own sexuality. His character serves as a catalyst for Alex's self-discovery, embodying the importance of being true to oneself in the face of societal expectations.

    • 🌈 Gay Representation
    • 💕 Love Interest
  • Dell

    played by Daniel Zolghadri

    Dell is Alex's friend who provides comic relief and a grounded perspective on the complexity of Alex's feelings. He offers reassurance during Alex's times of uncertainty, illustrating the value of loyalty and friendship in navigating tumultuous emotions.

    • 😂 Comic Relief
    • 🤗 Loyal Friend

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:37

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Setting

Where and When Does Alex Strangelove Take Place?

The setting of Alex Strangelove (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Contemporary

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern teenage issues such as sexual identity and emotional upheaval. It captures the experiences of high schoolers navigating relationships, friendships, and self-discovery in today's society.

Location

High School, Party Venue

The story unfolds primarily in a high school setting where friendships and first loves bloom. It also features various party venues that create an energetic backdrop for the characters' exploration of their identities and relationships.

  • 🏫 High School
  • 🎉 Party

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:37

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3 major themes

Alex Strangelove Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Alex Strangelove (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love and Identity

    The themes of love and identity are central to the film, as Alex explores his evolving feelings towards Claire and Elliot. This journey emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding in discovering one’s true self.

  • Coming Out

    The film poignantly addresses the theme of coming out, showcasing Alex's struggle with his sexuality. His confession to both himself and Claire represents a significant moment of growth and bravery, resonating with viewers who have faced similar challenges.

  • Friendship

    Friendship plays a crucial role in the movie, particularly the bond between Alex and his friends. Their support and understanding help him navigate the complexities of love and self-acceptance, illustrating how strong friendships can guide one through difficult times.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:37

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Character & theme questions

Alex Strangelove Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Alex Strangelove (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Alex Strangelove set?

The film takes place primarily in a high school setting, with various party venues serving as important secondary locations. These environments reflect the intimate world of teenage relationships and self-discovery where the story unfolds.

  • setting
  • locations
  • high school
  • party venues
Q2

When does Alex Strangelove take place?

The movie is set in contemporary times, depicting modern teenage life and issues. It reflects today's societal context where high schoolers navigate relationships, sexual identity, and emotional challenges.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • teenage
Q3

What is the main theme of Alex Strangelove?

The central theme revolves around love and identity as Alex navigates his evolving feelings toward his girlfriend Claire and a new student named Elliot. The film emphasizes self-acceptance and understanding as essential parts of discovering one's true self.

  • love
  • identity
  • self-discovery
  • acceptance
Q4

How does Alex Strangelove handle coming out?

The movie directly addresses coming out as a significant theme, depicting Alex's internal struggle with his sexuality. His confession to himself and Claire represents a pivotal moment of courage and personal growth that resonates with anyone who has faced similar challenges.

  • coming out
  • sexuality
  • lgbt
  • self-acceptance
Q5

What role does friendship play in Alex Strangelove?

Friendship is central to the story, particularly the bond between Alex and his friends. These relationships provide essential support and guidance during his journey of self-discovery, showing how loyal friendships help people navigate complex emotional terrain.

  • friendship
  • support
  • loyalty
  • peers
Q6

Who is Alex Truelove?

Alex Truelove is the film's protagonist, a high school student who begins the story in a relationship with Claire but gradually discovers troubling feelings about his sexual identity. His journey involves confusion, vulnerability, and ultimately acceptance of being gay.

  • alex
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • gay
Q7

Who is Elliot in Alex Strangelove?

Elliot is an openly gay teenager who transfers to Alex's school and develops a crush on him. He serves as a catalyst for Alex's self-discovery, representing the possibility of living authentically despite societal expectations.

  • elliot
  • love interest
  • catalyst
  • openly gay
Q8

What is Claire's role in Alex Strangelove?

Claire is Alex's girlfriend and close friend who finds herself in an emotionally complicated situation when Alex's feelings shift. Her character illustrates the challenges of youthful romance and the pain of discovering unexpected truths about a partner.

  • claire
  • girlfriend
  • relationship
  • heartbreak
Q9

Who is Dell in Alex Strangelove?

Dell is Alex's best friend who provides comedic relief and grounded perspective throughout the film. He offers loyal support and reassurance during Alex's times of uncertainty, demonstrating the value of dependable friendships during difficult transitions.

  • dell
  • best friend
  • comic relief
  • support
Q10

What is the tone of Alex Strangelove?

The film balances emotional vulnerability with hope and humor. While it deals with serious themes like coming out and sexual identity, the presence of supportive friendships and comedic moments prevents it from becoming overwhelming, resulting in an ultimately uplifting story.

  • tone
  • mood
  • hopeful
  • emotional
  • comedy

Movie threads

More Movies Like Alex Strangelove, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Alex Strangelove tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Awkward and heartfelt teenage self-discovery movies like Alex Strangelove

Coming-of-age stories where personal confusion leads to heartfelt acceptance. If you enjoyed the heartfelt and awkward journey in Alex Strangelove, explore more movies like it. These coming-of-age stories focus on teenage self-discovery, blending comedy with vulnerability as characters confront their identity and relationships in a supportive, hopeful light.

  • awkward
  • heartfelt
  • vulnerable
  • hopeful
  • introspective
  • liberating
  • Tone: hopeful, heartfelt, awkward
  • Pacing: steady, character-focused
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a linear, character-driven path where a protagonist faces an internal conflict related to their identity. The journey involves making mistakes, feeling vulnerable, and ultimately finding acceptance and support from their peers, leading to a positive personal transformation.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the tender, often confusing process of teenage growth. They balance lighthearted, comedic moments with sincere emotional weight, creating an experience that feels authentic, hopeful, and deeply relatable.

Hopeful journeys of queer awakening similar to Alex Strangelove

Stories about discovering one's sexuality that lead to positive self-acceptance. Looking for movies similar to Alex Strangelove? This collection features hopeful stories of queer awakening and self-discovery. These films explore the confusion and joy of realizing one's sexuality, often with a steady pace, medium emotional weight, and a ultimately happy, liberating ending.

  • liberating
  • vulnerable
  • hopeful
  • confused
  • heartfelt
  • introspective
  • Tone: hopeful, liberating, vulnerable
  • Pacing: steady, introspective
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist living a seemingly conventional life who encounters feelings or a person that challenges their understanding of themselves. The central conflict is internal, grappling with identity amidst external social expectations, but the resolution is constructive and positive, emphasizing self-love and acceptance.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific emotional arc: the initial confusion and vulnerability of a queer awakening, balanced by a fundamentally hopeful and supportive tone. They avoid tragic endings, instead focusing on the liberating and happy conclusion of living one's truth.

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Movies Like Alex Strangelove

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Every angle

Alex Strangelove (2018) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Alex Strangelove in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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