Spoiler Alert (film)

Spoiler Alert is a 2022 American romantic comedy-drama film based on the 2017 memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello, directed by Michael Showalter and written by David Marshall Grant and Dan Savage. The film stars Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, and Sally Field.

Spoiler Alert was released in the United States by Focus Features on December 2, 2022.

Plot
In 2001, Michael Ausiello, a writer for TV Guide, is brought to a gay nightclub by his best friend in Manhattan. There, he meets photographer Kit Cowan, and the two instantly connect. As they begin dating, Michael struggles with his insecurities of not being attractive enough for Kit, previously being overweight. Kit reveals that he had an affair. They both admit their fears of being in a long-term relationship since neither of them had been in one before, but they decide to continue dating. During their first Christmas together, Kit gives Michael his own closet space at his apartment.

One year later, Kit gets an appendectomy. His parents, Bob and Marilyn, come to Manhattan, and Kit has yet to come out to them. Marilyn grows suspicious of Michael. After she incessantly interrogates him, Kit comes out to his parents and reveals that Michael is his boyfriend. While initially upset that Kit could not admit this to her, Marilyn is accepting and welcomes Michael. Michael and Kit continue their relationship and move into a townhouse together. During their second Christmas, Kit joins Michael in lying under the Christmas tree with him as Michael explains it was a childhood fantasy of his to do it every year with his partner.

In 2013, Michael and Kit develop complications in their relationship as their sex life deteriorates. Michael spends too much time with his company TVLine and becomes an alcoholic. He also suspects Kit is having an affair with his coworker, Sebastian. Their therapist believes they now resent each other, but they still love each other enough to not want to end it. He suggests that they separate to reassess their feelings. Kit moves out, but the two remain in their relationship. During their thirteenth Christmas, Kit begins showing signs of ill health.

In 2014, Kit is diagnosed with a rare form of stage-4 neuroendocrine cancer. Michael, still traumatized by his mother's death from cancer, moves Kit back in and the two reconcile. Michael supports Kit as he undergoes treatment. Kit's health worsens and is given six weeks left to live. Michael apologizes to Kit for not letting him know how beautiful he was due to his fears of being left for a more attractive man. Kit apologizes to Michael for having an affair with Sebastian. Kit proposes to Michael and they marry the next day. The two spend their last Christmas together, with Michael fantasizing himself and Kit growing old and lying under the Christmas tree together.

In 2015, Kit is taken to the hospital. As Kit nears death, Michael allows Sebastian to say goodbye to him. As Kit is dying, Michael fantasizes interviewing Kit as a departing actor whose character is being killed off a television show. Kit expresses gratitude for his "time on the show" and is looking forward to the future. Michael asks Kit what he should do, and Kit assures him that he will figure it out. Back in reality, Michael thanks Kit for giving him a family. After Kit's death, Michael continues to be a part of Bob and Marilyn's lives. Michael prepares to leave New York for Los Angeles. As he's nervous to start his new journey, he remembers how brave he was to begin his adventure with Kit.

Cast

 * Jim Parsons as Michael Ausiello
 * Ben Aldridge as Kit Cowan
 * Sally Field as Marilyn Cowan
 * Bill Irwin as Bob
 * Antoni Porowski as Sebastian
 * Nikki M. James as Nina
 * Jeffery Self as Nick
 * Tara Summers as Mrs. Ausiello
 * Shunori Ramanathan as Dr. Lucas
 * Paco Lozano as Judge
 * Sadie Scott as Kirby

Production
Production began in December 2018, when Jim Parsons signed on to produce and star in the film and Michael Showalter signed on to direct it. In July 2021, Ben Aldridge was cast as Kit Cowan. In September 2021, Sally Field joined the cast playing Kit's mother, Marilyn. Principal photography began in the fall in New York City.

Release
The film was given a limited release by Focus Features on December 2, 2022, before releasing across the United States a week later on December 9, 2022.

Home media
Spoiler Alert was released for VOD on December 20, 2022, followed by a Blu-ray and DVD release on February 7, 2023.

Box office
The film made $679,690 from 789 theaters in its opening wide weekend, finishing in 10th.

Critical response
PostTrak reported 91% of audience members gave the film a positive score.