We Need To Talk About How Tom and Jerry (2021) Saved Cinema

By Beverly Brittain

Tom, a woman, and Jerry in Tom and Jerry (2021).

“That’s probably a scream of delight!”

At a time when the pandemic was at its all-time high and many worldwide worried about the state of the film industry, Warner Bros. saved humanity with the box office smash hit, Tom and Jerry (2021). A film so heroic, my father described it as “a banger,” and one that left Letterboxd user @dahans asking, “WHY GOD WHY.” 

The film follows Kayla (Chloë Grace Moretz), who has schemed her way into coordinating a luxurious wedding for the nation’s “it” couple—Ben (Colin Jost) and Preeta (Pallavi Sharda)—at the prestigious Royal Gate Hotel in New York. Chaos ensues as cartoon classics Tom and Jerry cause nothing but trouble in the days before the wedding. The critically denounced children’s movie topped the domestic box office for two weeks because out of all the movies you risk catching fatal diseases for, of course it's Tom and Jerry.

Before we dive into this cinematic masterpiece itself, I must sing the praises of its director, Tim Story. Story’s previous astonishing works include the NSYNC fan favorite music video Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy), Taxi (2004), and one episode of CSI: Miami in 2010. Letterboxd user @famsquadyeet best described the director’s talent in a review for Tom and Jerry when they said, “It’s ironic this was directed by a guy named Story, considering it was the worst aspect of the film.” I would argue this film’s only flaw was the missed opportunity to turn your children gay, but that’s a topic we’ll get into later. In his work, his “literally just play yourself” mentality towards his actors could not be more present. With just a couple tweaks to the script, this very easily could’ve been a televised Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost wedding special. That’s how committed Story is to allowing zero risks whatsoever, and his peers should takes notes.

Tim Story directing his magnum opus, Tom and Jerry (2021). 

Despite the film being called Tom and Jerry, a lot of the plot focuses on Kayla (Moretz) and Ben (Colin Jost). For Moretz, this film differs from a lot of her past work like Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010), Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), and Bolt (2008). For Jost, this was acting acrobatics. The late night comedian has starred in only a handful of movies including How to Be Single (2016), Coming 2 America (2021), and Staten Island Summer (2015) which he also wrote. In these films, he plays three different assholes, as opposed to Tom and Jerry where he portrayed the textbook definition of a himbo. I would say that Jost’s acting is the most impressive in the film considering he’s a Harvard graduate pretending to be arguably the most oblivious man alive. The Emmy winner is truly talented at making audiences worldwide a new kind of uncomfortable and for that he should be celebrated.

Colin Jost thinking about his future Oscar nomination for Tom and Jerry (2021). 

While we’re speaking of performances, I think we should discuss one that’s just alright. Rob Delaney plays Mr Dubros, the manager and owner of the Royal Gate Hotel. Prior to researching his other works, I wholeheartedly believed he was a reject for the hit Apple TV Original Ted Lasso. However, because he is a fellow masshole I must be an ally and spare Delaney of any further teasing. In fact, I request that everyone go watch him as Kurt in Horrible Bosses (2011).

Ted Lasso looking at his “Believe” sign probably. 

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the secret sapphics in this slapstick comedy. From scenes like Kayla modeling one of Preeta’s bridesmaid dresses to Preeta opening up to Kayla about her cold feet before the wedding, Tim Story accidentally created the greatest love story of all time. Coincidentally, Moretz and Sharda had more chemistry than Jost had with either of them. Could this be due to subliminal gay messaging or Scarlett Johansson holding a gun on set? Warner Bros. declines to comment. Despite this, you may be asking, “Then why does Preeta still end up with Ben?” and to that I would say, “she’s just like me fr”. I would also abandon anything and everything for Colin Jost. This is simply Tim Story making his film #relatable.

Kayla (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Preeta (Pallavi Sharda) telling Ben (Colin Jost) that it's over. 

Although Tom and Jerry was snubbed at every award show possible, it still remains one of the saviors of the COVID-19 era. A film like this will live on for decades and be enjoyed on so many Spirit Airlines flights and at even more babysitting gigs.

Tom, a woman, and Jerry in Tom and Jerry (2021).