Hollywood has spent the final decade attacking Donald Trump from each attainable angle.
Save one.
What if a dyed-in-the-wool liberal met a good-looking MAGA man and, gasp, felt butterflies with each look?
“The Elephant within the Room” dares to handle that query, and it’s a minefield in additional methods than one. Kudos to author/director Erik Bork for not solely navigating what may have been a calamitous premise however bringing steadiness to the story.
Not “The View’s” 4 Leftists versus one GOP RINO model of steadiness, thoughts you.
And, yeah, it’s each charming and romantic. Now, will it change these unwilling to interrupt bread with somebody on the other facet of the political fence?
Heck, it’s solely a film… however you by no means know.
Leah (a sparky Alyssa Limperis) is nursing a damaged coronary heart and making an attempt to attach along with her dour homosexual roommate Martin (Dominic Burgess).
We’re already in uncharted territory, given Martin’s uncommon mien. Hollywood’s de facto stereotyping would have Martin cracking clever and dropping sizzling takes.
“I’m not sassy and I gained’t name you ‘girlfriend,’” he warns her in his Eeyore drawl.
Her malaise lifts, courtesy of a Grub Hub-style supply man.
Vincent (Sean Kleier) bought her order flawed, however she has a tough time getting mad at him. He’s straightforward on the eyes, gracious and humorous, and there’s on the spot chemistry at play.
They flirt by way of textual content and eventually meet, however the story is ready in early 2021, so politics can’t assist however invade the date:
- Stolen election!
- Rigged voting cubicles!
- A deliberate Jan. 6 rally will set up Trump as our ceaselessly president!
When Vincent admits he voted for Trump … twice, Leah is crestfallen. She’s a Rachel Maddow fan and might’t date a person who doesn’t click on on each HuffPo replace.
So why does she maintain seeing him?
“Elephant” would really feel heavy in nearly any interval save our present one. The problems in play are actual, not imaginary, and Bork’s script treats them with the respect they deserve.
If something, Leah comes off as judgmental, however there’s a kindness to her that cuts by that pose. Credit score a savvy script and Limperis’s profitable efficiency. The character requires each to thrive.
Erik Bork Talks About his New Pink vs Blue Rom-Com, ‘The Elephant within the Room’ – Interview #erikbork #romcom #redstate #bluestate #interview #fanboynationhttps://t.co/myEWw1Ss55
— FanboyNation (@FanboyNation) August 14, 2025
Films that sort out political debates routinely short-change conservatives. The liberal will uncork a sensible, well-organized protection whereas the Republican spits out stale speaking factors.
It’s not often, if ever, a good battle.
“The Elephant within the Room” is totally different. Vincent defends his positions effectively. He’s neither a conspiracy monger nor ill-informed. And, in a mirrored image of many Left/Proper debates, he’s extra liberal within the conventional sense when coping with individuals who don’t maintain his views.
The screenplay softens Vincent’s MAGA bona fides, a sop to audiences who wouldn’t settle for an “election denier” as a number one man. That’s high quality.
And, to be honest, Leah isn’t the type to publish a screechy TikTok selfie that beneficial properties traction on the Proper. She’s nonetheless too smug by half, however nobody’s excellent.
“Elephant” may very well be funnier, however it by no means strains for amusing or units the characters up for an inexpensive fall. It’s respectful, however not boring, and even the ultimate moments keep away from bow-tying conveniences.
Vincent’s Trumpy grandma (Sandra Ellis Lafferty) comes near the crude MAGA stereotype we anticipate from a function movie. She’s granted some humanity and texture, and Lafferty performs the half with a fragile contact. Her bond with Vincent is pure and candy, even throughout a subplot that might alienate some viewers.
Rom-coms have suffered lately, partly resulting from excessive artifice. “How you can Lose a Man in 10 Days,” anybody?
“The Elephant within the Room” is actual. Too actual, to be sincere, however typically that’s the place one of the best love connections start.
HiT or Miss: “The Elephant within the Room” is a minor miracle, a politically-charged rom-com with brains and steadiness.