The story of Michael Ausiello and Kit Cowan’s relationship takes a tragic turn when Cowan is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Based on the true story – a memoir of well-regarded television columnist and co-founder of TVLine.com Michael Ausiello chronicling the terminal illness of his longtime boyfriend Kit Cowan – ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies’ was adapted to the screen by David Marshall Grant and Dan Savage. Ausiello is played by “The Big Bang Theory” star and multiple Emmy-winner Jim Parsons. Cowan is played by Ben Aldridge, known primarily for his previous television work.
The film was directed by Mike Showalter, who also helmed “The Big Sick.” As with his previous effort, Showalter uses “Spoiler Alert” to tug at the heartstrings and explore the nature of modern relationships. The action begins when Michael is persuaded to spend a night on the town with friends, where he meets Kit at a club. The two men find a connection and become involved romantically.
The differences between Michael and Kit draw the audience into the narrative. Kit is confident and good-looking, while Michael is more reserved, with clearly a lot going on in his head. For one, Michael repeatedly flashes back to a fictitious childhood in sitcom format. He describes himself as an FFK – former fat kid. The reason becomes obvious when Michael reluctantly allows Kit to come to his apartment. Instead of skeletons, Kit finds Smurfs from floor to ceiling. Michael explains that his mother used to buy them for him until she died of cancer. After that, he bought them for himself, which evolved into a collection. Interestingly, the Smurfs used in “Spoiler Alert” actually belong to Ausiello.
Both of Michael’s parents died years earlier. Kit’s parents, on the other hand, are very much alive. Kit’s mother, Marilyn, is played by Sally Field, and his dad, Bob, is played by Bill Irwin. As Kit and Michael grow closer, Kit admits that he has never told his parents he is gay. During his high school and college years, Kit dated women, so Marilyn and Bob never suspected.
When Kit is hospitalized for appendicitis, his parents insist on driving through the night to check on him. Michael lingers in the background until an exasperated Marilyn asks what he is doing there. After an awkward silence, Kit spills the beans, and everyone holds their breath, awaiting the reaction. Somewhat surprisingly and happily, Marilyn and Bob come to terms with their son’s gayness without too much fuss.
Michael is soon welcomed into the family, and Kit’s parents treat him as a second son. With the passing years, however, and like all couples – gay or straight – Michael and Kit begin to have disagreements. They decide to spend time apart, living in separate residences indefinitely. But when Kit is diagnosed with rectal tumors, Michael becomes his patient advocate, and the drama heightens accordingly, aided by more than one reference to “Terms of Endearment.”
Most of the rest of the film hews pretty close to the title, with Kit eventually passing not unexpectedly. The merits of “Spoiler Alert” hinge on the deeply-felt bond between Michael and Kit, who ultimately marry – a gay love story that should touch viewers of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
Jim Parsons does a nice follow-up to his role in “The Big Bang Theory.” He looks older and worldlier, a refreshing contrast to the impish Sheldon Cooper. Other cast members turn in solid performances as well. “Spoiler Alert” evinces hope from an otherwise tragic tale, reminding us that while life is short and no one gets out alive, we can make the most of our moments.
In Theaters Friday, December 9th
