Okay, Cupid

As a Cupid, 16-year-old agender Jude is responsible for keeping the universe in balance by facilitating romantic relationships. But Jude, who cues as white, is still on probation after breaking one of the cardinal rules by falling for a human on the job. As a test, their new assignment is a long-term undercover mission at a Bay Area high school, where they’re tasked with rebuilding the budding relationship between two estranged best friends. Things go well at first, with Jude insinuating themself into the lives of transgender soccer captain Huy Trinh and moody musician Thanh “Alice” Tran, who are both of Vietnamese descent. But in restoring the fractured friendship, Jude develops unexpected feelings for Huy, which jeopardizes the mission and once again threatens to undermine Jude’s very existence as a Cupid. Deaver (The Feeling of Falling in Love) eschews deeper exploration of the Cupid lore, leaving much to the imagination. The undeniable chemistry—both platonic and romantic—between Jude and the intersectionally diverse, distinctly rendered cast fuels this insightful romantic comedy, which sensitively explores the queer spectrum and issues of privilege while keeping the emotional components front and center. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lauren E. Abramo, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Jan.)