‘Words Fail’ us as the Dear Evan Hansen trailer is released
The film sees Ben Platt reprise his role as a socially awkward high-school student caught up in a lie
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Universal Pictures
“Today is a good day” as the trailer for the film adaptation of Broadway and West End hit musical Dear Evan Hansen is out.
And ‘Words Fail’ us as to how good it looks!
The film sees out and proud actor Ben Platt (Pitch Perfect and The Politician), who originated the role on stage (and won just about every award he could for it!), once again play the anxious and isolated high-school student. It’s set for release in the UK on 22 October.
“Dear Evan Hansen is gonna be the most powerful movie of the year!”
The film tells the story of Evan Hansen, tasked with writing letters to himself by his therapist as a way of coping with social anxiety.
One of his letters is picked up by fellow high-schooler Connor, who shortly afterwards takes his own life. Evan is then swept up in the aftermath of a well-intentioned lie.
From what we can see fans are in love with the trailer, with one tweeting: “Dear Evan Hansen is gonna be the most powerful movie of the year!”
Dear Evan Hansen is gonna be the most powerful movie of the year! This trailer is phenomenal & had me burst into tears! Plus this cast is perfection! Universal has a major awards contender! So glad that Ben Platt is back as Hansen! What a powerful message that
You Are Not Alone! pic.twitter.com/Db3KyBx5ca— Josh❤️ Mortal Kombat & TFATWS #BlackLivesMatter (@supermangeek101) May 18, 2021
One fan was offered tissues by the film’s Twitter account after tweeting: “Brb just crying” (You are NOT alone!)
Need tissues?
— Dear Evan Hansen Movie (@dehmovie) May 18, 2021
Dear Evan Hansen originally opened in Washington in 2015 before landing on Broadway a year later.
It went on to win six Tonys in 2017, including best actor for Platt and best musical. It then opened in London’s Noel Coward theatre in 2019 to rave reviews.
In particular, it’s been praised for encouraging conversations around mental health and suicide.
The film version is directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and is written by the show’s Tony-winning Steven Levenson. The film’s music and lyrics are written by Oscar, Grammy, and Tony-winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land and The Greatest Showman).
The film also stars Oscar-winner Julianne Moore, Oscar-nominee Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart), Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give), and Colton Ryan (Apple TV+’s Little Voice).
Check out the trailer here: