When your heart is torn between two people, things are bound to get complicated, and for Lara Jean, things get messy. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is the second installment in the teen rom-com franchise, bringing back Lana Condor as Lara Jean and Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky. Set in modern-day high school life, the story takes place shortly after the events of the first film, still centered around the suburban world of love letters and teenage emotions. The movie continues its exploration of the ups and downs of high school romance, blending elements of coming-of-age with a lighthearted romantic comedy feel.
In this film, Lara Jean is no longer daydreaming about love—she’s living it. Now officially Peter’s girlfriend, she’s navigating the highs and lows of being in a relationship. But just when things seem to be going well, one of the boys from her past, John Ambrose McClaren, enters her life again. Having received one of Lara Jean’s love letters from the first film, John Ambrose brings a whirlwind of emotions and confusion. The story follows Lara Jean as she grapples with her feelings for both Peter and John Ambrose, questioning what it means to truly be in love and whether first loves are meant to last.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is Lana Condor’s performance. Once again, she captures the relatable awkwardness of Lara Jean with grace and authenticity. Her portrayal of a girl trying to balance new love with lingering emotions from the past is both charming and heartfelt. The character feels grounded in reality, even amidst the more whimsical aspects of the story. Noah Centineo returns as Peter Kavinsky, and while his performance is still enjoyable, the real star in this film is Jordan Fisher, who plays John Ambrose McClaren. Fisher brings a soft, yet confident presence to the role, making John Ambrose an incredibly likable character and a worthy contender for Lara Jean’s heart. The dynamic between Lana and Jordan is magnetic, creating a genuine love triangle that doesn’t feel forced or unnecessary. Their chemistry on-screen is one of the film’s highlights, leaving the audience as conflicted as Lara Jean herself.
The direction by Michael Fimognari, who also served as the cinematographer for the first film, is visually stunning and emotionally evocative. The movie carries a delicate, pastel aesthetic that mirrors Lara Jean’s dreamy, romantic nature. From the cozy interiors of Lara Jean’s home to the snowy, fairytale-like moments at Belleview Retirement Home, where Lara Jean volunteers and reconnects with John Ambrose, the cinematography captures a magical yet grounded feeling. Fimognari’s direction balances the light-heartedness of teenage romance with deeper emotional themes, particularly around insecurity and self-doubt. His use of color and light in the film emphasizes the warmth of Lara Jean’s world while contrasting her moments of emotional turmoil with cooler, more muted tones, making the visual storytelling just as compelling as the plot itself.
Musically, the film continues the trend of using an eclectic mix of modern indie and pop songs to underscore the various emotional beats. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Sofi Tukker and Chaz Cardigan, perfectly encapsulates the emotions of a teenager in love—joyful, confusing, and intense all at once. The musical selections elevate key moments in the film, particularly during Lara Jean’s more introspective scenes, where the lyrics of the songs often mirror her inner turmoil. The score, though understated, also enhances the romantic atmosphere of the film without overwhelming it, blending seamlessly into the background to let the characters’ emotions take center stage.
The film’s costume design also deserves mention, as it continues to define Lara Jean’s quirky, vintage-inspired wardrobe, which stands out against the more modern, sleek looks of her peers. Costume designer Lorraine Carson uses fashion to reflect Lara Jean’s individuality and innocence, while also subtly indicating her emotional growth throughout the movie. For instance, in scenes where Lara Jean feels more confident, her outfits reflect a more mature, put-together look, contrasting with the more playful and youthful wardrobe of the first film.
In terms of the story, one of the most engaging aspects of To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is how it tackles the theme of vulnerability in relationships. While the first film dealt with the excitement of falling in love, this sequel explores what happens after the honeymoon phase is over. Lara Jean’s insecurities about being Peter’s first real girlfriend, her fears of losing him, and her confusion over her feelings for John Ambrose create a compelling emotional arc that feels relatable to anyone who’s ever experienced young love. The film also delves into the idea that love isn’t always perfect, and sometimes, it’s okay to have doubts or uncertainties. This depth gives the film a more mature feel than its predecessor, showing that growing up means learning to handle the complexities of relationships, not just the thrill of them.
That being said, the movie is not without its flaws. Some of the pacing feels a bit slow, particularly in the middle when Lara Jean is navigating her feelings for John Ambrose. While the love triangle is well-executed, certain moments feel a little drawn out, and the resolution, though satisfying, is somewhat predictable. However, these minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the film’s overall charm and emotional depth.
Overall, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is a worthy sequel that manages to capture the same heartwarming tone of the first film while diving deeper into the complexities of love and relationships. It’s a film that feels both whimsical and grounded, with strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Lana Condor and Jordan Fisher. The direction, music, and cinematography all come together to create a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience. While it may not have the same fresh spark as the original, it stands on its own as a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of young love.
This movie is a must-watch for fans of the first film, as well as anyone who enjoys a good romantic drama with a relatable emotional core. It’s not just a story about falling in love; it’s a story about learning what love really means and how to navigate the challenges that come with it. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you smile, laugh, and perhaps shed a tear or two, this one is definitely worth a watch.
