Friday, December 11, Netflix will release Ryan Murphy’s The Prom.
The star-studded film brings the magic of Broadway and the play Prom to the big screen. The film is packed with the “Ryan Murphy Sparkle” that everyone loves. Viewers will be entranced by the set design, music, and use of color within the film.
The Prom shows one teen’s fight for inclusivity and against intolerance in a small town in Indiana. Emma, played by newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman, is the only lesbian in her school that is out of the closet, and all she wants is to take her girlfriend to prom. However, the Parent-Teacher Association refuses to allow an inclusive prom because their idea of prom is one that is not for everyone. The film highlights the struggles many teens face, the struggles of coming out, and the beauty of love all through the use of music, dance, and the talented cast.
The Knockturnal sat down with two stars from the film Jo Ellen Pellman and Ariana DeBose to discuss what it was like being a part of the magic of The Prom. For Jo Ellen not only is The Prom her film debut, but her costars consist of icons such as: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Kerry Washington. Similar to her character of Emma, she was able to rely on her co-stars for guidance. She discusses her first day on set and a special moment she was able to share with Meryl Streep. While filming in a lobby Meryl scooted over in order to make space for Jo Ellen not just physically but in the metaphorical sense as well. She described filming as a “joyous experience.”
For Ariana DeBose, she hopes that the film and the beauty of the story between Emma and Alyssa will challenge intolerance and inspire others to find comfort in their own truths because: “it is hard to hate up close.” Audiences will see the two teens find their voices with the support of a few Broadway stars, the importance of inclusivity, and most importantly the power of love.
