Dear Evan Hansen

A high school student with social anxiety finds himself caught in a web of lies after a tragic event. Evan Hansen's manufactured "friendship" with a deceased classmate spirals out of control, leading to viral fame and intense public scrutiny. He must confront the consequences of his deception and learn the true meaning of connection.

The film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical received largely negative reviews from critics, who cited issues with its premise, performances, and deviation from the stage production's tone. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating the musical numbers while others found the story and its central character's actions problematic.

• Critics largely panned the film for its perceived insensitivity and a central character whose actions border on the unlikable.

• Ben Platt's performance, while earnest, was often criticized for the age disparity between the actor and the character he portrayed.

• The film struggled to translate the emotional resonance of the stage musical to the screen, leading to a mixed reception for its narrative choices.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception. Many appreciated the musical's themes of mental health and connection, while a significant portion found the protagonist's extensive deception hard to overcome and criticized the adaptation choices compared to the stage musical.

Ben Platt, who reprises his role as Evan Hansen from the Broadway production, was 27 years old during filming, while the character is meant to be a high school senior.