Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet characters, sex in cheesy-cute LGBTQ+ romcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Thing About Harry
What's the Story?
When Sam (Jake Borelli) is recruited to give his high school bully, Harry (Niko Terho), a ride to their hometown for a party, he soon discovers THE THING ABOUT HARRY is that he's no longer a closeted jerk. In the years since high school, Harry has come out as pansexual, and though Sam's attracted to Harry (and vice versa), a series of misadventures keeps them apart ... but for how long?
Is It Any Good?
All of the romcom cliches are on full display here (romantic misunderstandings, love triangles, a big wedding), but what's notable is the movie's exploration of LGBTQ+ diversity in a mainstream way. The Thing About Harry isn't the first same-sex romcom, but it's a refreshingly modern one. There's no tiptoeing around sexuality. Sam's been out and proud since high school, and though Harry took longer to embrace his pansexuality, he announces his orientation without a particle of shame and is generally relaxed about having romantic interests of all genders.
The plot gets silly and soapy at times, of course––most romcoms do (that's part of the fun)––but it also goes down sweetly, thanks to the chemistry between Sam and Harry. And the hijinks that keep them apart are entertaining, including them pretending to not be into each other and the appearances of Sam's fierce bestie, Stasia (Britt Baron). Some of the roadblocks are pretty unlikely, but romcoms aren't about logic—they're about romance, and the slowly building one between Sam and Harry is easy to root for.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Thing About Harry both challenges and reinforces familiar romcom conventions. Which cliches are repeated here? What makes the film stand out?
Are the things that happen in this movie realistic? Does that affect your enjoyment?
How do the characters in The Thing About Harry demonstrate communication and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
There's a film critics' cliche that says "Every movie gets one miracle," meaning the viewer can ignore one silly or unrealistic plot point. What's The Thing About Harry's miracle? Is there more than one?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 15, 2020
- Cast : Jake Borelli , Peter Paige , Britt Baron
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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