DEAR EVAN HANSEN: YOU GOT THIS @TIFF 2021

Dear Evan Hansen,

Thank you so much for being the opening night film at TIFF 2021 this year. It has been two years since watching a film in a theatre like the Princess of Wales Theatre. The film brought many excited fans back to the festival. Tonight, you brought the magic and inspiration back to fans like myself. Your film made me more comfortable of whom I am and what I aspire to be. I’m so glad that Dear Evan Hansen brought to the big screen. I mean why not? It was such as success on Broadway and went on to win Tony awards.

I would have to give much to the acting of Ben Platt who plays you. He is so incredible playing this guy in high school who has a social anxiety disorder. It reminds me of all those times when I feel that I am going to fail. I know you had to write a letter that was recommended by your therapist. The letter was to remind yourself about the good things in life. Mentioning your crush Zoe who is played by Kaitlyn Dever was a good start. I know how painful it is to not have the confidence in talking to the girl who you admire. Things didn’t go so well with that letter when Zoe’s brother Connor stole it from you. It must have been shocking when you found that he took his own life.

I don’t blame you not telling the truth when it came to your friendship with Connor Murphy. His parents thinking that this letter was his suicide note reflects of the vulnerable position they were in. It must have been so much pressure on someone like yourself who is experiencing social anxiety to come with answers to so many questions from his family. To have them welcome you to their family fills the void that your mother was not able to do. She needs to work extra hard at the hospital so she can sustain the both of you and lookout for your college future. Your mother is doing the best she can but the Murphy family are doing the things that you always dreamed of in a family.

I loved it when you started to gain that confidence in talking to Zoe. You had it right from the beginning about just being yourself. You were just overthinking everything. Despite the circumstances, you end up getting to know her and above all communicating with her. You tell her what she wants to hear which is what every girl loves so you are doing the right thing. Romance is never a smooth ride and there will always be twists and turns. You two do have chemisty which you should not deny.

Maybe singing to express yourself is the way to aleviate that pain you are suffering from all the broken parts you speak of. Not everyone can express themselves. But perhaps this is a way to get those to listen to what you have to say. It works! It gives you space to collect your thoughts and put emphasis on the things that you need to without having anyone to judge you in a negative way. Its rather more positive to express yourself musically in Dear Evan Hansen, because the issues at hand maybe too dark to just talk about.

The most important thing I want you to remember Evan Hansen is that you are the lone controller of your destiny. After your father leaving you and putting a financial strain on your mother, there is so much one can do for their own child. I know that she wants to give you more. But try not to blame her or yourself for the circumstances that the both of you are in. You have to fight this together because it is the only way. She’s the only one who really knows who you are and what you need. Don’t ever forget that. So don’t push her away because down the line you will need her. And that goes the same for Zoey by the way.