Set in the 1990s, when homosexual relationships were still under the ‘keep under wraps phase,’ “In & Out’s” writers took inspiration for its storyline and its main character from Tom Hanks’ Oscar acceptance speech for “Philadelphia” (another must-watch on LGBTQIA+ rights released just a few years prior). In that speech, Hanks thanked his openly gay drama teacher on-stage on live television.
The movie opens in on recently engaged English teacher Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline) who’s just sat down with his fiancée Emily (Joan Cusack) to watch the Oscars on TV as his former student and Hollywood heartthrob Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon) takes to the stage to accept his Oscar. However, what the couple doesn’t expect for Drake to do is to turn their lives inside-out by outing his closeted teacher on-stage, on live television, much to the chagrin of Howard’s friends & family…and Howard himself.
From then on, it’s a battle for Howard who attempts to come to terms with his own sexual orientation. This includes trying to accept himself, vying for acceptance from Emily, his conservative family, friends, and his school’s homophobic faculty. He also faces challenges to break free from the bubble of toxic masculinity that society has trapped him in.
The movie is great at satirising the stereotypical gender roles that often dictate masculinity and femininity. Most of the characters in “In & Out” intentionally come off as caricatures who are forced to adhere to gender norms to fit in—and thus find it hard to escape from the same. This is especially true of the naïve Emily (Howard’s to-be bride); she feels ‘duped’ by his coming-out, raised all her life into thinking she is only fit to be ‘wife material.’
Kevin Kline as Howard Brackett in “In & Out.” Photo: Paramount Pictures, 1997.
The film has iconic scenes, including an “I will survive” dance number as Howard follows a “macho” self-help cassette. While funny, these drive home the message of breaking free of toxic masculinity. “In & Out” forwards the notion unlearning rigid gender norms and the acceptance of oneself.
Among the performances, Kevin Kline turns in a superb performance as Howard; you can’t help but root for as he attempts to come out of the closet. Joan Cusack’s portrayal as Emily, who struggles with her own insecurities is nothing short of brilliant (boy, does she nail the comic timing too). She sinks her teeth into the meaty role exceptionally well. Tom Selleck makes a great supporting role as Peter, a reporter who listens to Howard when he needs it. The rest of the supporting cast, especially the young actors playing Howard’s students are equally exceptional.
“In & Out” is certainly one of those overlooked satires which still stands the test of time and is definitely worth your time.
*”In & Out” is currently available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime.
