Growing up is never easy, especially when your heart is torn between love and dreams. To All the Boys: Always and Forever brings back Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey and Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky for the final chapter in this popular teen romance trilogy. Set in the senior year of high school in Portland, Oregon, and later expanding to New York and Seoul, the film is a romantic drama that encapsulates the excitement and anxieties of big life transitions. It’s a coming-of-age story at its core, combining the familiar feel-good vibe of a teen rom-com with deeper emotional themes about relationships, self-discovery, and the uncertainty of the future.
The plot follows Lara Jean as she navigates the final months of high school, which include making plans for college, managing her long-term relationship with Peter, and dealing with the bittersweetness of leaving behind her teenage years. Lara Jean dreams of attending Stanford with Peter, but life has a way of complicating even the best-laid plans. During a family trip to Korea and a school trip to New York City, she finds herself falling in love with new places and new possibilities. The film explores whether love can survive the distance and the inevitable changes that come with growing up, without giving away too much of its resolution.
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of Lana’s acting range. Lana Condor beautifully portrays Lara Jean’s internal conflict between holding onto her high school love and embracing the unknown. Her performance is both authentic and vulnerable, making Lara Jean’s journey feel deeply relatable. Noah Centineo once again brings his signature charm to Peter Kavinsky, but in this film, his character faces more emotional depth than before. Peter’s own insecurities about their future and his fear of being abandoned by Lara Jean add layers to their relationship, giving both actors more complex material to work with. Their chemistry remains electric, and you can feel the genuine affection between the two characters, even as the story introduces tension and uncertainty into their relationship.
Direction by Michael Fimognari, who also helmed the second film, brings a sense of continuity to the trilogy. His keen eye for balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth is evident throughout the film. One scene that stands out is the family trip to Seoul, where Fimognari uses vibrant cinematography to capture the beauty and culture of the city, blending it seamlessly with the personal growth Lara Jean experiences. The visuals reflect Lara Jean’s evolving sense of identity, symbolizing how she’s beginning to embrace the idea of life beyond her current bubble. The New York scenes are equally well-shot, using the city’s iconic landmarks as a metaphor for the vast, exciting, but intimidating future that awaits her. Fimognari’s direction keeps the tone optimistic while still addressing the serious concerns that come with adulthood.
The musical score and soundtrack also play a pivotal role in setting the tone. Filled with a mix of modern pop hits and soft ballads, the music perfectly mirrors the emotional beats of the movie. Songs by artists like Ashe and Alexander 23 offer the right amount of sentimentality without being overly dramatic. The soundtrack effortlessly weaves into the narrative, particularly during the moments of self-reflection and when Lara Jean contemplates her future. The music elevates the mood of the film, making it feel like a warm embrace during moments of happiness, but also a comforting companion during moments of uncertainty.
Costume design, led by Lorraine Carson, also deserves mention. Lara Jean’s wardrobe is once again a reflection of her vibrant personality and evolving maturity. Throughout the film, her outfits move from the playful, colorful tones we’ve seen in the previous movies to more refined, sophisticated pieces that signal her transition into adulthood. Her love for vintage and quirky styles remains, but the costume choices are more polished this time, subtly reflecting her emotional growth and readiness to step into the next chapter of her life.
One of the most significant themes explored in the film is the idea of choosing between love and independence. The film tackles this question without presenting a clear right or wrong answer, allowing viewers to empathize with Lara Jean’s dilemma. It’s a relatable theme for anyone who has faced a major life decision, especially when it involves balancing personal desires with romantic commitments. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing that relationships, no matter how strong, can face serious challenges when life plans don’t align. This adds a layer of realism to the otherwise dreamy nature of the film, grounding it in emotions that most young adults will resonate with.
While Always and Forever does a great job of concluding the series, it isn’t without its flaws. Some might feel that the pacing slows down during the middle portions, especially when Lara Jean is grappling with her decision about college. The tension between Lara Jean and Peter is sometimes stretched out, and though the resolution is satisfying, it might come off as predictable for some. However, these are minor criticisms in a movie that largely succeeds in delivering a heartfelt and authentic story about growing up.
Overall, To All the Boys: Always and Forever is a fitting end to Lara Jean and Peter’s love story. It manages to capture the bittersweet nature of change while offering an optimistic take on the future. Lana Condor shines in her role, bringing warmth and emotional depth to a character that has become beloved by fans. The direction, cinematography, and music all come together to create a visually beautiful and emotionally satisfying film. It may not have the same light, fun energy as the first installment, but it makes up for it with maturity and reflection, which is only fitting as the characters—and the audience—grow alongside the story.
If you’ve followed Lara Jean’s journey from the beginning, this film will provide the closure you’ve been waiting for. It’s a must-watch for fans of the series, and it offers a poignant message about love, life, and the importance of embracing change. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or coming-of-age stories, this film offers a heartwarming conclusion that feels both realistic and hopeful, making it well worth a watch.
