Crush (2022) Movie Review

『The End of a Crush, The Beginning of True Love: A High School Queer Coming-of-Age Story』

🎥 Work Overview

🎬 Title: Crush (2022)
🌍 Country: 🇺🇸 United States
🎞️ Genre: Teen Romance / Queer Comedy
🗓️ Produced by: Hulu
📺 Platform: Hulu / Domestic VOD and Digital Streaming Services
📢 Director: Sammi Cohen

👩‍💼 Cast: Rowan Blanchard – Paige
Auli’i Cravalho – AJ, Isabella Ferreira – Gabby

🧩 In-Depth Story Exploration (Spoilers)

🧡 Unrequited Love, Growth, and Discovery of New Feelings

Paige is a high school student deeply immersed in art and her dreams, having long held a crush on Gabby. However, when a graffiti incident called 'Kingfun' puts her at risk of suspension, she joins the track team to avoid it, becoming training partners with Gabby’s twin sibling AJ. Initially distant, the two gradually build intimacy through shared training and conversation.

🌱 The Growth of Emotional Seeds

Paige and AJ share hidden anxieties and passions, fostering feelings that go beyond mere friendship. Their process of tracking down the identity behind 'Kingfun' further strengthens their bond. Their first kiss at a party naturally confirms their mutual feelings, subtly interweaving Paige’s sincerity and AJ’s introverted heart.

⚡ Conflicts, Misunderstandings, and Restoration of Truth

When Paige’s past kiss with Gabby is revealed, AJ is deeply disappointed and offers to be suspended while confessing her own 'Kingfun' identity. Gabby clarifies that Paige already loves someone else, resolving the misunderstanding, yet their relationship faces challenges. Ultimately, Paige publicly expresses her true feelings to AJ at a school event, courageously continuing their love.

🦋 Emotional Resonance and Significance

🎬 A Queer Romance Without 'Coming Out'

‘Crush’ is a teen romantic comedy that follows traditional genre conventions while taking a fresh approach by focusing on Queer Joy without conflicts over sexual identity. Paige is a lesbian, and her surrounding friends represent diverse identities across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Instead of the struggles of 'coming out,' the film emphasizes the universal joys and awkwardness of teen romance itself. Awkward crushes, complicated friendships, and the thrill of unexpectedly liking someone are portrayed through a GL (Girls' Love) narrative that resonates with anyone who remembers the emotions of adolescence.

🎥 Simple Plot and Quick Resolution

By emphasizing 'Queer Joy,' the film sacrifices dramatic tension or depth of conflict. Teenage romance unfolds without major crises, making emotional depth feel somewhat shallow relative to screen time. This is a lighthearted, lovable teen comedy premised on "a world where queer romance is normal," following classic romantic comedy formulas while delivering a positive, inclusive message.

🎯 Personal Rating

💕 Love Scene Intensity: ♥
⭐ Rating: ★★★