Romantic comedies often lean into clichés, but this film manages to capture a youthful energy that resonates with its target audience. The Kissing Booth, directed by Vince Marcello, stars Joey King, Jacob Elordi, and Joel Courtney, and is set in a modern-day high school in Los Angeles. The movie falls squarely within the teen romance genre, full of familiar high school experiences, budding relationships, and the drama of navigating friendship and love. With its contemporary setting and focus on youthful emotions, the film draws viewers into a world of teenage angst, exuberance, and excitement.
The story revolves around Elle, played by Joey King, a high school junior who has been best friends with Lee, portrayed by Joel Courtney, since childhood. They have an unbreakable bond, solidified by a list of rules they created to protect their friendship. One of the most important rules? Elle can’t date Lee’s older brother Noah, played by Jacob Elordi, the school’s resident bad boy. Things take an unexpected turn when Elle and Noah share a kiss at the school’s fundraising event, “The Kissing Booth.” This moment sets off a chain of events that leads Elle to question her loyalty, her feelings, and the complications that arise when friendship and love collide. The plot centers on Elle’s struggle to balance her deep connection with Lee and her growing attraction to Noah, which threatens to disrupt their long-standing friendship.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is the chemistry between the lead actors, particularly Joey King and Jacob Elordi. King’s portrayal of Elle is lively and relatable, capturing the awkwardness and excitement of first love. She brings a genuine charm to the role, which allows viewers to empathize with her as she navigates the tricky waters of friendship, loyalty, and romance. Elordi, as Noah, plays the classic heartthrob role with a mix of rebelliousness and vulnerability, making his character more than just a stereotypical bad boy. Their on-screen chemistry drives much of the film’s emotional core, particularly in scenes where the tension between them is palpable, but nuanced enough to keep the audience hooked without being overly dramatic.
The film’s direction, helmed by Vince Marcello, hits the mark when it comes to pacing and tone. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged while balancing moments of humor, drama, and romance. Marcello’s experience in directing teen-centric content shines through in how he captures the exuberance and awkwardness of high school life. The light-hearted tone is maintained throughout the film, even when it dips into more emotional territory, ensuring that the movie never becomes too heavy for its target audience. The editing keeps the narrative tight, with quick transitions between scenes that reflect the fast-paced and often impulsive nature of teenage life.
Visually, The Kissing Booth makes use of bright, colorful cinematography to mirror the high-energy tone of the film. The sun-soaked Los Angeles backdrop adds to the film’s youthful, carefree atmosphere. Cinematographer Anastas Michos does a solid job in capturing the vibrancy of high school life, using playful camera angles to emphasize the comedic and romantic beats. The scenes shot at the actual Kissing Booth event, for example, are fun and engaging, with colorful lighting and energetic framing that make the central event feel lively and significant. The cinematography overall complements the film’s lighthearted and adventurous feel, ensuring that the film remains visually stimulating.
The music plays a significant role in setting the film’s mood. With a soundtrack filled with upbeat pop songs, the music mirrors the youthful excitement and drama unfolding on screen. From fun, fast-paced tracks during the party and dance scenes to more subdued tunes during moments of introspection, the soundtrack is well-suited to the film’s high-energy tone. The use of music is especially effective in building up key romantic moments between Elle and Noah, heightening the emotional impact without feeling overbearing. The score and song choices help create a rhythm that makes the film feel more dynamic and engaging.
In terms of themes, the film addresses some classic tropes found in teen romantic comedies—first love, forbidden romance, and the struggle to balance friendships with romantic feelings. While these themes are familiar, the film manages to inject a sense of freshness into them through its relatable characters and modern-day setting. The tension between loyalty to a friend and pursuing love is explored through Elle’s internal struggle, which is a conflict many teens can resonate with. However, the film also subtly touches on themes of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly in Elle’s journey toward understanding her own desires and standing up for herself, even if it means risking a valued friendship.
Other important aspects of the film include its portrayal of friendship, particularly between Elle and Lee. Their bond is at the heart of the movie, and it is refreshing to see a male-female friendship depicted in such a positive light. Joel Courtney as Lee brings a fun, quirky energy to the film, acting as the supportive, goofy best friend who always stands by Elle. While their friendship is tested throughout the movie, the importance of their bond adds a layer of depth to the narrative beyond just romantic relationships. It’s also worth noting that the film plays with the notion of social hierarchy and how high school stereotypes, like the “bad boy” and the “innocent girl,” can be challenged.
Overall, The Kissing Booth is a fun, breezy teen romantic comedy that hits all the right notes for its intended audience. It delivers a predictable yet entertaining storyline, bolstered by the strong chemistry between its leads and the infectious energy of its supporting cast. The direction is sharp, the pacing swift, and the film never loses sight of its central theme of navigating relationships—both romantic and platonic—during the tumultuous high school years. For those looking for a feel-good, light-hearted movie with a mix of comedy, drama, and romance, this one is an easy recommendation. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it succeeds in offering a fun and engaging experience that will resonate with its audience.
