Better Nate Than Ever is a rare Disney+ family gem as it avoids pandering to its audience, keeping itself grounded while also bathing in moments of pure fantasy as we see the world through Nate’s eyes. Better Nate Than Ever is streaming now on Disney+.
Sometimes big things come in small packages, and with Better Nate Than Ever, Disney+ and 20th Century Studios have given us a small and perfectly formed musical drama for the whole family to enjoy. But Better Nate than Ever is also a colossal step forward in representation and inclusion, mirroring the impact of Love, Simon in 2018, which arrived with a 12 certificate. This is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age musical in all but name, but it doesn’t feel the need to shout from the rooftops because Nate’s burgeoning sexuality is just a part of what makes him fabulous; it’s not a problem to be solved or a hurdle to be overcome.
Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) lives for theatre, but he can’t get a break in middle school productions. However, when his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) informs him of auditions in New York for a new Broadway version of Lilo and Stitch, the potential is something neither can resist.
Therefore, rucksacks in hand, Libby and Nate fake a sleepover while their parents are away and head to New York – with Nate’s big brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) left in the dark. But when Libby and Nate arrive, the scale of the opportunities ahead of them becomes crystal clear, as does the fact that they need a parent or guardian with them to make anything happen. Luckily, Nate’s estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) is also in town and utterly unaware that Nate and Libby’s parents know nothing of their escapade.
The resulting movie is an utter delight, celebrating all those kids who feel different, love dance, music and drama, or find themselves ostracised at school. Here, it’s discussions on Nate’s developing sexual orientation are beautifully handled throughout, his need to be free and be himself in all his glitz and glamour sitting centre stage.
Better Nate Than Ever is a rare Disney+ family gem as it avoids pandering to its audience, keeping itself grounded while also bathing in moments of pure fantasy as we see the world through Nate’s eyes. No matter your age, there is so much to love in the optimism, heart and soul of this straight-to-streaming gem. Plus, keep an eye out for Rueby Wood’s name in future productions because this is one kid who truly shines alongside the equally brilliant Brooks, Bassett and Kudrow.
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