Parents' Guide to Can You Keep a Secret?

This romcom lacks both polish and information, but the plot points, dialogue, and characters suggest that the novel is a must-read. Not that Can You Keep a Secret? doesn't try hard -- it does. And no one tries harder than Daddario (who's also an executive producer): She's believable as the awkward, mousy Emma, who can't believe that a handsome, successful man is interested in her. And overall, the film is a strong example of diversity. What's really remarkable is how unremarkably the story includes a mix of races, sexualities, and genders in all of its roles (including Black transgender actress Laverne Cox as a wonderful boss who's commanding yet caring). You don't even think about it, and it's not seen as special -- it just is. It's that kind of representation that eventually changes the world.

And it makes sense, because that's the moral of this story: Be comfortable in your skin, because what makes you unique is what makes you lovable. That's a message that today's teens need to hear in a world in which social media encourages them to show the filtered, Photoshopped, happy version of themselves. Here, we get dancing lawyers, a body-positive roommate, and a boyfriend who unapologetically goes pantsless in safe spaces. All are embracing who they are no matter what others think -- after all, the person who will fall in love with you will fall in love with you. Can You Keep a Secret? provides both laugh-out-loud moments and cringey ones. It could be much better, but it deserves praise for its positive messages and representations that come through loud and clear.