In & Out (1997) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In & Out (1997), directed by Frank Oz, is a delightful comedy that blends humor with social commentary about identity, sexual orientation, and stereotypes. Starring Kevin Kline as a small-town teacher whose life takes a comedic turn after being “outed” on national television, the film is known for its clever wit and heartfelt performances. Released at a time when mainstream cinema was still hesitant to tackle LGBTQ+ themes head-on, In & Out manages to do so with a light touch, while delivering a strong message about acceptance and self-discovery.
In this review, we will explore the plot, performances, and how this movie remains relevant today, along with details on where you can stream In & Out online.
Plot Overview
Set in the fictional town of Greenleaf, Indiana, In & Out centers on Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline), an English teacher who is beloved by his students, his fiancée Emily Montgomery (Joan Cusack), and the entire community. As the film opens, Howard’s former student Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon) wins an Academy Award for portraying a gay soldier in a movie. During his acceptance speech, Cameron thanks Howard, saying that his inspiration came from the fact that Howard is gay.
This public “outing” throws Howard’s life into turmoil, as he had never considered himself to be gay and is engaged to be married in just three days. The town, his family, and his fiancée are all shocked and confused. Meanwhile, a media frenzy ensues, with reporters, including the openly gay Peter Malloy (Tom Selleck), descending on Greenleaf to cover the story.
As the wedding day approaches, Howard begins to question his identity. Through a series of humorous and awkward situations—such as listening to self-help tapes to determine his sexual orientation—he eventually confronts his true self. The film culminates in a heartwarming and hilarious climax, where Howard comes to terms with who he really is, and the community is forced to examine its own prejudices.
Performances
Kevin Kline’s performance as Howard Brackett is the heart of In & Out. Kline masterfully portrays Howard’s confusion and vulnerability, while also delivering plenty of comedic moments that keep the film lighthearted. His impeccable comedic timing, especially in scenes where he tries to convince himself (and others) that he is not gay, brings a lot of charm to the character. One of the most iconic moments in the movie is Howard’s impromptu dance to “I Will Survive,” which remains one of the funniest and most memorable scenes in 90s cinema.
Joan Cusack, as Howard’s fiancée Emily, delivers a standout performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Emily’s frustration, confusion, and eventual acceptance of Howard’s situation are portrayed with both humor and heart. Her character’s emotional arc provides some of the film’s most touching moments, particularly when she confronts Howard about their impending marriage.
Tom Selleck, playing Peter Malloy, the gay reporter who is covering Howard’s story, also shines in his role. Selleck’s on-screen charisma and warmth make Peter an integral part of Howard’s journey toward self-acceptance. One notable scene between Howard and Peter, involving an unexpected kiss, was groundbreaking for its time and is handled with a mix of comedy and sincerity.
The supporting cast, including Matt Dillon, Debbie Reynolds, and Bob Newhart, round out the film with strong performances that enhance the film’s small-town charm and humor.
A Groundbreaking Comedy with Social Impact
In & Out is not just a comedy; it’s a film that addresses important issues about identity and the assumptions people make about others. While it leans heavily on humor, the movie was groundbreaking for its time, especially for its portrayal of a gay character in a sympathetic and humanizing way. Howard’s journey of self-discovery is portrayed with humor but also with care, never making him the butt of the joke. The film cleverly pokes fun at societal norms and stereotypes, while encouraging acceptance and open-mindedness.
At the same time, In & Out was released during a time when LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema was still limited. The film’s light, comedic tone allowed it to reach a wide audience without alienating those unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with LGBTQ+ themes. While some of its humor may seem dated today, the message at the core of the movie—being true to yourself and standing up for who you are—remains relevant.
Where to Watch In & Out (1997) Online
In & Out is a popular comedy classic that is available on several streaming platforms in the U.S. Here’s where you can watch or rent the movie online:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video – In & Out is available to stream with a subscription on Amazon Prime Video. It is also available for rental or purchase for non-subscribers.
- Paramount+ – As a Paramount Pictures film, In & Out is available for streaming on Paramount+, which offers both a free trial and subscription options.
- Pluto TV – For those looking to stream the movie for free, Pluto TV offers In & Out as part of its ad-supported service.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video – You can rent In & Out on Amazon for approximately $3.99 or purchase it for about $12.99.
- Apple iTunes – The movie is available for rent on iTunes for $3.99 and can be purchased for $12.99.
- Google Play Movies – Google Play offers similar pricing, with rental options at $3.99 and purchase options at $12.99.
- Vudu – In & Out can be rented on Vudu for $3.99 or purchased for $12.99.
Why You Should Watch In & Out Today
In & Out remains a relevant and enjoyable film more than two decades after its release. It offers a unique combination of laugh-out-loud moments and meaningful social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Kevin Kline’s standout performance, supported by a stellar cast, brings a lot of heart to the story, while the movie’s central themes of identity and acceptance are still important in today’s world.
For those who enjoy 90s comedies with a deeper message, In & Out is a must-watch. Its clever humor and touching moments make it more than just a run-of-the-mill comedy, and its message of being true to oneself is as relevant now as it was when the movie first came out.
Conclusion
In & Out (1997) is a delightful comedy with a timeless message about self-acceptance and societal norms. With standout performances by Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, and Tom Selleck, the film is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. Its groundbreaking take on LGBTQ+ themes, combined with its lighthearted approach, makes it a must-watch for fans of 90s comedies and anyone looking for a film with both laughs and a message.
For U.S. viewers, In & Out is available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and Pluto TV, as well as for rent or purchase on popular digital platforms. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a fun, feel-good movie that still holds up today!
