When you stumble upon old love letters, you don’t expect them to be sent out to all your past crushes—unless you’re Lara Jean Covey. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a charming teen romance set in the modern suburban world, starring Lana Condor as Lara Jean and Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky. The film, based on Jenny Han’s best-selling novel, brings to life the high school experience in today’s digital age, where every misstep can go viral and relationships evolve through texts and Instagram stories. Set in present-day America, the movie blends coming-of-age themes with the light-heartedness of a rom-com, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.
The story centers around Lara Jean, a shy, daydreaming high school junior who writes letters to her crushes but never intends to send them. Her life is flipped upside down when her secret love letters mysteriously get mailed out to five boys she’s had feelings for, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh and the charismatic Peter Kavinsky. In a desperate attempt to control the fallout, Lara Jean agrees to fake-date Peter to make his ex-girlfriend jealous and protect her feelings from Josh. As they navigate this fabricated relationship, real emotions start to surface, leading Lara Jean to confront her fears about love and vulnerability.
One of the film’s standout elements is the performances of the young cast. Lana Condor, as Lara Jean, delivers a refreshingly authentic portrayal of an awkward teen caught between fantasy and reality. Her performance is relatable and engaging, making Lara Jean’s inner monologue feel natural and grounded. She perfectly captures the nuances of a girl who’s never experienced real romance but has dreamed about it through her books and letters. Noah Centineo, playing Peter, brings charm and depth to a role that could have easily fallen into the typical “jock” trope. Peter’s confident exterior hides a sweet and caring nature, and Noah balances this duality well, creating an endearing dynamic with Lana that drives much of the film’s emotional weight. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, adding layers to their fake relationship that make the audience root for them from the start.
The direction by Susan Johnson is simple yet effective, focusing on the intimate, everyday moments that make teen love stories relatable. She wisely centers the film on Lara Jean’s perspective, using voiceovers and visual cues to keep us in sync with her thoughts and feelings. The film avoids over-the-top melodrama, instead opting for subtlety and humor to explore the complexities of teenage emotions. The pacing is smooth, allowing each scene to unfold naturally while maintaining the light-hearted tone that makes the movie such a feel-good experience. Johnson’s ability to balance heartfelt moments with comedic beats ensures that the movie never feels bogged down by the emotional stakes, keeping it light without sacrificing depth.
Visually, the cinematography by Michael Fimognari is warm and inviting, perfectly capturing the pastel-toned aesthetic that mirrors Lara Jean’s whimsical, introverted world. The use of colors—soft pinks, blues, and yellows—adds a dreamlike quality to the film, particularly in scenes that focus on Lara Jean’s daydreams or her romantic interactions with Peter. The camera work is often intimate, with close-ups that emphasize Lara Jean’s emotions, drawing the audience into her world. The film also does a great job using its setting—the cozy Covey family home, the bustling high school hallways, and the various picturesque locations where Peter and Lara Jean spend time together—to create a relatable and visually appealing backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The soundtrack is another highlight of the film, perfectly curated to match the film’s youthful energy and emotional beats. With a mix of indie pop and modern love songs, the music complements the movie’s tone without overpowering the scenes. Standout tracks like Lauv’s “I Like Me Better” help enhance pivotal moments, particularly in montages where Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship begins to feel real. The score, while subtle, effectively underscores the emotional journey Lara Jean embarks on, heightening both the awkwardness and sweetness of young love.
Costume design also plays a key role in defining Lara Jean’s character. Her wardrobe, filled with vintage-inspired pieces and quirky accessories, reflects her unique personality—someone who’s imaginative and slightly out of step with the trends around her. The clothes help visually differentiate Lara Jean from the other characters, particularly Peter’s ex, Gen, who embodies the stereotypical “mean girl” in trendy, more polished outfits. This contrast adds to the storytelling without having to spell it out, giving viewers a sense of who these characters are just by the way they dress.
Thematically, the film touches on more than just romance. It delves into family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Lara Jean and her two sisters, Margot and Kitty. The film beautifully portrays the bond they share, showing how their sibling dynamic influences Lara Jean’s views on love and relationships. The absence of their mother is subtly addressed but resonates throughout the story, adding another layer of emotional complexity to Lara Jean’s journey. The film also explores themes of self-discovery and confidence, as Lara Jean learns to step out of her comfort zone and take control of her own story, rather than living in the shadows of her fantasy world.
Overall, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a heartwarming, feel-good movie that captures the essence of teenage romance without being overly saccharine or cliché. It strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, delivering a story that is both engaging and deeply relatable. The film’s success lies in its ability to portray the messy, awkward, and sometimes overwhelming nature of young love in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. Lana and Noah’s chemistry is magnetic, and their performances make the film a joy to watch from start to finish.
This movie is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good rom-com with a bit of heart and depth. It’s not just a love story, but a coming-of-age tale about finding the courage to open yourself up to the possibilities of life, love, and everything in between. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the complexities of crushes or an adult reminiscing about your own high school experiences, this film is a delightful escape into the world of young love that’s both refreshing and entertaining. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre and a great introduction for those new to it.
