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The Prom(film)

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This article is about the Netflix musical film. For the Disney film, seeProm(film).

The Prom
Official release poster
Directed byRyan Murphy
Screenplay by
Based on
The Prom
by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMatthew Libatique
Edited by
  • Peggy Tachd gian
  • Danielle Wang
Music by
Production
company
Ryan Murphy Productions
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • December 11, 2020(2020-12-11)
Running time
131 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$187,430[1]

The Promis a 2020 Americanmusicalcomedy filmdirected byRyan Murphyfrom a screenplay byChad BeguelinandBob Martin,based on the2018 Broadway musical of the same nameby Martin, Beguelin, andMatthew Sklar.The film starsMeryl Streep,James Corden,Nicole Kidman,Keegan-Michael Key,Andrew Rannells,Ariana DeBose,Tracey Ullman,Kevin Chamberlin,Mary Kay Place,andKerry Washington,and introducesJo Ellen Pellmanin her film debut as Emma Nolan. Logan Riley Hassel, Sofia Deler,Nico Greetham,andNathaniel J. Potvinalso appear in supporting roles.

A film adaptation ofThe Promwas announced to be in development in April 2019, with Murphy confirming himself to be director and also serving as a co-producer along withAlexis Martin Woodall,Adam Anders,Dori Berinstein, and formerDreamWorks Animationchief creative officerBill Damaschke.Beguelin and Martin were soon after announced to be adapting their book into the screenplay, with Beguelin working with Sklar to rework their songs from the musical for the film. Additionally, Sklar also composed the film's incidental score withDavid Klotz,while Murphy, Anders, andPeer Åströmserved as music producers. The cast was filled out starting in June 2019, including Pellman, Streep, Corden, Kidman, Key, DeBose, Riley Hassel, Deler, Greetham, Potvin, Rannells, Ullman, Chamberlin, Place, and Washington. Principal photography took place beginning in December 2019, but was suspended in March 2020 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic,before resuming that July.

The Promhad alimited theatrical releaseon December 4, 2020, prior to streaming onNetflixon December 11.[2]The film received mixed reviews by critics, who praised the message, musical numbers and ensemble cast, but criticized the narrative and stereotypes, as well as Corden's performance.[3]

Plot[edit]

In Edgewater, Indiana, James Madison High School's head of thePTA,Mrs. Greene announces the school'spromwill be canceled as thelesbianstudent Emma Nolan planned to attend with a girl. Emma's girlfriend is Alyssa, Mrs. Greene'scloseteddaughter. Principal Tom Hawkins supports Emma, but is powerless against the PTA's decision.

Meanwhile, inNYC,Broadwaystars Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman are disappointed after their showEleanor! TheEleanor RooseveltStorycloses on opening night as theNew York Timesblasts their performances. They are comforted by former sitcom star Trent Oliver, who now only plays forgettable supporting roles, and Angie Dickinson, who just quit the chorus line ofChicagoafter being passed over for the role ofRoxie Hart.

Barry realizes they all need a cause to revitalize their careers. Finding Emma's story onTwitter,the actors drive to Indiana with thenon-Equitytouring cast ofGodspelland publicist Sheldon Saperstein.

At school, Emma is bullied and harassed by students Kaylee, Shelby, Nick and Kevin, who blame her for ruining prom. The actors barge into the next PTA meeting and attempt to rally support for Emma. Hawkins, a big fan of Dee Dee's, unsuccessfully tries to get her to back off.

The actors book a gig as the entertainment for a monster truck rally, but are booed off the stage for preaching about acceptance. Hawkins tells them theIndiana Supreme Courthas ruled that James Madison must allow Emma to attend prom. That evening, he and Dee Dee bond over dinner.

The next day, ispromposalday. Barry visits Emma at her grandmother Bea's. She has been living here since her sixteenth birthday when her parents threw her out for being gay. Barry tells Emma that he ran away from home at 16 because he knew his parents wouldn't accept his sexual orientation and has not spoken to them since.

It is later revealed that the PTA has exploited a loophole in the Court's ruling by arranging for her to attend a separate prom alone while the rest of the students go to the real one at a private club. Emma calls Alyssa for support, however she is too scared of losing her mother to come out. Hawkins is disgusted when he learns the real reason that Dee Dee came to Indiana was to use Emma to prop up her career.

The next day, Mrs. Greene holds a press conference about the two proms. Angie comforts a heartbroken Emma, while Barry persuades Dee Dee to get Emma on her ex-husband Eddie Sharp's talk show; in response, she insists that he call his mother Vera and make peace with her. Dee Dee apologizes to Hawkins for lying to him and they reconcile. Emma, upset that Alyssa won't stand up to her mother, breaks up with her.

Trent confronts Emma's tormentors, persuading them to support her with help from theGodspellcast. Dee Dee arrives at the motel and tells everyone she traded Eddie her house inThe Hamptonsfor Emma's slot on his show. However, Emma turns the offer down to tell her story her own way. She sings a song she wrote during alivestream,which goes viral.

The actors pool their finances to throw an all-inclusive prom for Emma. Afterward, Dee Dee tells Barry she called Vera, who wants to talk to him. Vera apologizes to Barry for her past treatment of him, so they make peace.

Kaylee, Shelby, Nick and Kevin apologize to Alyssa and Emma for their behavior. Mrs. Greene tries to stop their preparations for the prom. When Alyssa reveals who she really is, her mother leaves. Alyssa and Emma reconcile.

Later that night, Emma and Alyssa arrive early to meet with the actors, Sheldon, Bea, and Vera. Angie learns that she has been cast as Roxie Hart asTina Louisehas contractedshingles,Trent retires from acting to become James Madison's new drama teacher, and Barry is crowned prom king. The students and many teens from the localLGBTcommunity show up to the prom in support of Emma. As the event begins, Mrs. Greene arrives, apologizes, and embraces Alyssa, accepting her for who she is. Dee Dee and Principal Hawkins share a kiss and start a relationship. Emma and Alyssa share their first public kiss and everyone celebrates.

Cast[edit]

  • Meryl Streepas Dee Dee Allen, a narcissistic two-timeTony award-winning Broadway actress.
  • James Cordenas Barry Glickman, a narcissistic Broadway actor.
    • Sam Pillow as a young Barry Glickman
  • Nicole Kidmanas Angie Dickinson, a chorus girl who has been unable to get a chance to portrayRoxie HartinChicago.
  • Keegan-Michael Keyas Principal Tom Hawkins, the principal of James Madison High School.
  • Andrew Rannellsas Trent Oliver, aJuilliardgraduate who is between gigs and starred in the sitcomTalk to the Hand.
  • Jo Ellen Pellmanas Emma Nolan, a lesbian 17-year-old girl.
  • Ariana DeBoseas Alyssa Greene, a cheerleader who is Emma's closeted girlfriend.
  • Kerry Washingtonas Mrs. Greene, Alyssa's mother and the head of Edgewater's PTA.
  • Tracey Ullmanas Vera Glickman, Barry's mother.
  • Kevin Chamberlinas Sheldon Saperstein, Dee Dee and Barry's publicist.
  • Mary Kay Placeas Grandma Bea, Emma's supportive grandmother who raised her when Emma's parents kicked her out of their house for coming out to them.
  • Logan Riley Hassel as Kaylee, Alyssa's cheerleader friend who disapproves of Emma taking a girl to prom and has a small tattoo on her wrist.
  • Sofia Deler as Shelby, Alyssa and Kaylee's cheerleader friend who also disapproves of Emma taking a girl to prom and has lost her virginity.
  • Nico Greethamas Nick, Kaylee's boyfriend whose parents are divorced.
  • Nathaniel J. Potvinas Kevin Shield, Shelby's boyfriend.

Soundtrack[edit]

The Prom
(Music from the Netflix Film)
Soundtrack albumby
Matthew Sklar,Chad Beguelin,Adam Anders,andPeer Astrom
ReleasedDecember 4, 2020(2020-12-04)
Genre
Length1:00:44
Label
  • Maisie Music
SinglesfromThe Prom
(Music from the Netflix Film)
  1. "Tonight Belongs to You"
    Released: November 20, 2020
  2. "Wear Your Crown"
    Released: November 20, 2020

The soundtrack was released digitally on December 4, 2020, by Maisie Music, with a physical release on December 18.[4]

All tracks are written byMatthew SklarandChad Beguelin,except where indicated

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Performer(s)Length
1."Changing Lives"Meryl Streep,James Cordenand Ensemble3:09
2."Changing Lives (Reprise)"Streep, Corden,Nicole KidmanandAndrew Rannells1:54
3."Just Breathe"Jo Ellen Pellman2:54
4."It's Not About Me"Streep, Corden, Kidman, Rannells,Keegan-Michael Key,Kerry Washingtonand Ensemble3:59
5."Dance with You"Pellman andAriana DeBose2:35
6."The Acceptance Song"Rannells and Ensemble3:22
7."You Happened"Pellman, DeBose,Nathaniel J. Potvin,Nico Greethamand Ensemble3:11
8."We Look to You"Key2:49
9."Tonight Belongs to You"Cast5:26
10."Tonight Belongs to You (Reprise)"Pellman0:43
11."Zazz"Kidman and Pellman3:08
12."The Lady's Improving"Streep2:39
13."Alyssa Greene"DeBose2:20
14."Love Thy Neighbor"Rannells, Sofia Deler, Potvin, Greetham, Logan Riley and Ensemble4:31
15."Barry Is Going to Prom"Corden2:35
16."Unruly Heart"Pellman and Ensemble3:59
17."It's Time to Dance"Pellman, DeBose, Corden, Streep, Rannells, Kidman, Key,Kevin Chamberlinand Ensemble5:05
18."Wear Your Crown" (end credits)Sklar, Beguelin,Adam Anders,Peer ÅströmDeBose, Pellman, Washington, Kidman and Streep3:05
19."Simply Love" (end credits)Anders, Beguelin, SklarCorden2:50
Total length:1:00:44

Production[edit]

The film is based on the same premise as themusical of the same name,that uses music byMatthew Sklar,lyrics byChad Beguelin,and a book byBob Martinand Beguelin, based on an original concept byJack Viertel.[5]The film is also loosely based around the2010 Itawamba County School District prom controversy.

CNNnotes the film project is on "theme with Murphy's advocacy for more inclusivity in Hollywood" including his spearheading the 2017Half Initiative,to "create equal representation for women and minorities behind the camera".[6]Murphy announced plans for the adaptation during a charity performance of the musical at New York'sLongacre Theatrein April 2019.[7][8]

On June 25, 2019,Meryl Streep,James Corden,Andrew RannellsandNicole Kidmanwere revealed to be cast as the four leads, withKeegan-Michael Keyas the school principal.[9][10]Ariana Grandewas initially cast as Alyssa Greene, a popular butclosetedcheerleader and Emma's girlfriend, but scheduling conflicts with theSweetener World Tourforced Grande to drop out.[11]Kerry Washingtonwas cast in October, withAriana DeBosejoining in November, replacing Grande in the role of Alyssa.Jo Ellen Pellmanwas also cast as Emma following a nationwide search.[12][13][14]Madelaine Petschalso auditioned for Pellman's role.[15]The project is the first film under Murphy's $300 million deal with Netflix, and fifth overall.[9][16]On January 25, 2020,Awkwafinadropped out of the film due to scheduling conflicts andKevin Chamberlinwas recast as Sheldon Saperstein.[17][18]On June 25, 2020,Tracey UllmanandMary Kay Placewere revealed to star in the film.[19]

Filming commenced on December 11, 2019, inLos Angeles.[20]On March 12, 2020, production was suspended due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.Prior to this, the leads had wrapped filming, with only two days of second unit filming left, which was initially scheduled to resume in mid-April, but was ultimately delayed to summer.[21][22]Production resumed on July 23, 2020.[23]

Release[edit]

The Promhad an awards-qualifyinglimited theatrical releaseon December 4, 2020, before being released digitally on December 11 byNetflix.[24]It was the second-most watched film over its first weekend on the platform, before falling to tenth in its second week.[25][26]

Reception[edit]

Onreview aggregatorRotten Tomatoes,the film has an approval rating of 54% based on 203 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Through fiery songs and dance breaks,The Prom's bonanza of glitz, glitter, and jazz hands might be enough to whisk audiences away. "[27]OnMetacritic,the film has aweighted average scoreof 55 out of 100, based on 35 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[28]

Peter Bradshaw ofThe Guardiangave the film four out of five stars, writing that it is "so goofy that you just have to enjoy it". He went on to praise the musical numbers and the film's message of self-love.[29]Brian Pruitt ofUSA Todayalso gave the film four stars out of four, calling it a "joyous adaptation".[30]InAfterEllen,Claire Heuchan described the film as "a sweet homage to all the young lesbians and gays finding the courage to live and love authentically."[31]In his review forThe Hollywood Reporter,David Rooney noted that "there’s something to be said for the wide reach of a Netflix feature that champions the rights of LGBTQ teens, sharing a message that’s easy to endorse even if the delivery tends to grate."[2]

Of the opposing opinion, Mary Sollosi ofEntertainment Weeklygave the film a "D" grade calling it "narratively sloppy, emotionally false, visually ugly, morally superior, and at least 15 minutes too long".[32]Jesse Hassenger ofThe A.V. Clubgave the film a "D+" describing it as "all-star, feel-good, zazzy nonsense".[33]

James Corden's performance was criticized as offensive by some; Corden himself is straight while the character is gay and some said his performance perpetuated, and capitalized on, stereotypes of gay men.[3]Regarding his depiction of a flamboyantgay man,David Rooney wrote that "perhaps aware of the potential minefield for a straight actor playing a flaming gay stereotype, Corden channels the mannerisms without the joy."[2]

Accolades[edit]

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Art Directors Guild Awards April 10, 2021 Excellence in Production Design for a Contemporary Film Jamie Walker McCall Nominated [34]
Costume Designers Guild Awards April 13, 2021 Excellence in Contemporary Film Lou Eyrich Nominated [35]
GLAAD Media Awards April 8, 2021 Outstanding Film – Wide Release The Prom Nominated [36]
Golden Globe Awards February 28, 2021 Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy The Prom Nominated [37]
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy James Corden Nominated
Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards April 3, 2021 Best Contemporary Make-Up Eryn Krueger Mekash, J. Roy Helland, Kyra Panchenko and Donald McInnes Nominated [38]
Best Contemporary Hair Styling Chris Clark, Natalie Driscoll, Ka’Maura Eley and J. Roy Helland Nominated
Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards April 16, 2021 Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Musical for Feature Film Nick Baxter and David Klotz Nominated [39]
Satellite Awards February 15, 2021 Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Meryl Streep Nominated [40]
Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture Nicole Kidman Nominated
Best Art Direction and Production Design Jamie Walker McCall and Gene Serdena Nominated
Best Sound (Editing and Mi xing ) Gary Megregian, David Giammarco, Mark Paterson and Steven A. Morrow Nominated
Set Decorators Society of America Awards March 31, 2021 Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Comedy or Musical Feature Film Gene Serdena and Jamie Walker McCall Won [41]

References[edit]

  1. ^"The Prom (2020)".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedDecember 17,2020.
  2. ^abcRooney, David (December 1, 2020)."'The Prom': Film Review ".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedDecember 2,2020.
  3. ^ab"Why Are Critics Outraged Over James Corden? Debating Ryan Murphy's 'Prom' Casting".IndieWire.December 12, 2020.RetrievedDecember 21,2020.
  4. ^"The Prom (Music from the Netflix Film) by The Cast Of Netflix's Film The Prom on Apple Music".music.apple.December 4, 2020.RetrievedDecember 15,2020.
  5. ^Bryant, Kenzie (June 13, 2018)."First Look: The Prom Will Bring Gay Teen Romantic Farce to Broadway This Fall".Vanity Fair.RetrievedJune 22,2018.
  6. ^Friedlander, Whitney (June 25, 2019)."Ryan Murphy adapting 'The Prom' for Netflix with all-star cast".CNN.RetrievedJuly 2,2019.
  7. ^Gardner, Chris (April 9, 2019)."Ryan Murphy Sets Movie Adaptation of Broadway Musical 'The Prom' at Netflix".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  8. ^Peikert, Mark (April 9, 2019)."Broadway's The Prom to Become Netflix Movie Event".Playbill.ISSN0551-0678.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  9. ^abVlessing, Etan (June 25, 2019)."Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman Lead Cast for Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' Movie at Netflix".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  10. ^Friedlander, Whitney (June 25, 2019)."Meryl Streep set to star in Ryan Murphy's all-star adaptation of 'The Prom'".CNN.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  11. ^Rossignol, Derrick."Updated: Ariana Grande Will Not Be Involved In Netflix's Musical Adaptation Of 'The Prom'".Uproxx.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  12. ^N'Duka, Amanda (October 10, 2019)."Kerry Washington Joins Meryl Streep & Nicole Kidman In Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom'".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 13,2020.
  13. ^N'Duka, Amanda (November 1, 2019)."'The Prom': Ryan Murphy Netflix Adaptation Adds 'West Side Story' Actress Ariana Debose ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 13,2020.
  14. ^N'Duka, Amanda (November 25, 2019)."'The Prom': Ryan Murphy Sets Newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman For Lead As Netflix Film Adaptation Rounds Out Cast ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 13,2020.
  15. ^Madelaine Persch Audition Tape
  16. ^Daw, Stephen (June 25, 2019)."Ryan Murphy Casts Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman & More in Netflix's 'The Prom' Adaptation".Billboard.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  17. ^"Ryan Murphy Sets Netflix 'Prom' Musical: Streep, Corden, Kidman, Ariana Grande, Awkwafina, Key, Rannells To Star".Deadline.June 25, 2019.RetrievedJune 25,2019.
  18. ^"The Prom".Production List.October 14, 2019.RetrievedDecember 1,2019.
  19. ^"ACTOR KEVIN CHAMBERLIN CHATS ABOUT BROADWAY, PLAYING BERTRAM ON JESSE ON THE DISNEY CHANNEL AND FILMING THE UPCOMING NETFLIX RYAN MURPHY FILM THE PROM".I Love My Wife Podcast.June 25, 2020.RetrievedJuly 2,2020.
  20. ^Evans, Chris (December 11, 2019)."Meryl Streep project The Prom begins filming in LA".kftv.RetrievedSeptember 5,2020.
  21. ^Patten, Dominic (March 12, 2020)."Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' Film Shuts Down Production Over Coronavirus Concerns".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedSeptember 13,2020.
  22. ^Lawrence, Gregory (April 30, 2020)."Ryan Murphy Says His Netflix Movie 'The Prom' Is Nearly Complete".Collider.RetrievedApril 30,2020.
  23. ^Elise Sandberg, Bryn (July 22, 2020)."Ryan Murphy's 'The Prom' to Restart Production in Los Angeles (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJuly 22,2020.
  24. ^Caruso, Nick (September 13, 2020)."The Prom, Ryan Murphy's Netflix Musical, Sets December Premiere Date".TVLine.RetrievedSeptember 13,2020.
  25. ^Brueggemann, Tom (December 14, 2020)."'Holiday Cheer, New and Old, Leads VOD and Netflix Charts ".IndieWire.RetrievedDecember 14,2020.
  26. ^Brueggemann, Tom (December 21, 2020)."'The Croods: A New Age' Beats Out 'Tenet' On VOD in Surprising Shakeup ".IndieWire.RetrievedDecember 22,2020.
  27. ^"The Prom (2020)".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango.RetrievedOctober 10,2021.
  28. ^"The Prom Reviews".Metacritic.RetrievedJanuary 13,2021.
  29. ^Bradshaw, Peter (December 2020)."The Prom review – is Ryan Murphy's musical the first film of the Biden era?".The Guardian.RetrievedDecember 1,2020.
  30. ^Truitt, Brian (December 1, 2020)."Netflix's stellar musical 'The Prom' goes big with Meryl Streep, James Corden and inclusion".USA Today.RetrievedDecember 1,2020.
  31. ^Heuchan, Claire (February 18, 2021)."Prom Review: Sequins and Sapphic Love Make this Musical a Triumph".AfterEllen.RetrievedJanuary 10,2022.
  32. ^Sollosi, Mary (December 1, 2020)."Please, by all means, call offThe Prom:Review ".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedDecember 1,2020.
  33. ^Hassenger, Jesse (December 1, 2020)."An all-star cast goes toThe Promin Ryan Murphy's insufferable Broadway adaptation ".The A.V. Club.RetrievedDecember 1,2020.
  34. ^"2021 ADG AWARDS NOMINEES".Art Directors Guild.RetrievedMarch 4,2021.
  35. ^Pederson, Erik (April 13, 2021)."Costume Designers Guild Awards: 'Schitt's Creek' & 'Queen's Gambit' Among TV Winners – Updating Live".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedApril 13,2021.
  36. ^Ramos, Dino-Ray (January 28, 2021)."GLAAD Unveils Nominees For 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards; Deadline's New Hollywood Podcast Honored With Special Recognition Award".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 2,2021.
  37. ^Oganesyan & Moreau, Natalie & Jordan (February 3, 2021)."Golden Globes 2021: The Complete Nominations List".Variety.RetrievedFebruary 3,2021.
  38. ^Giardina, Carolyn (February 18, 2021)."'Bill & Ted Face the Music' Leads Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards Nominations ".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedFebruary 25,2021.
  39. ^Erik Pederson (March 1, 2021)."Sound Editors Nominate 'Wonder Woman', 'Sound Of Metal', 'Tenet' & Others For Golden Reel Awards – Full List".Deadline.Variety Media, LLC.RetrievedMarch 1,2021.
  40. ^Van Blaricom, Mirjana (February 1, 2021)."25th Satellite Awards Nominees for Motion Pictures and Television Announced".International Press Academy.RetrievedFebruary 1,2021.
  41. ^Grobar, Matt (April 1, 2021)."Set Decorators Society Of America Awards: David Fincher's 'Mank' Tops Winners List With Best Picture & Best Period Design".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedJune 23,2021.

External links[edit]

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