To All The Boys I've Loved Before: #swoon
Netflix has been on its rom-com game this summer and its latest original movie, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, is another win for the streaming giant. I loved this movie. At the time of writing this, it's been out for 11 days and I have watched it four times. The movie, based on Jenny Han's bestselling YA novel, begins when love letters written by main character Lara Jean Covey are sent out to every boy she's ever liked-including her sister's very recent ex-boyfriend Josh Sanderson. In order to keep Josh from thinking she still has feelings for him, Lara Jean and popular lacrosse player Peter Kavinsky, another recipient of a letter who is trying to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, agree to fake date. A romantic, swoon-worthy drama ensues.
This movie easily could have gone the way of a stereotypical high school drama but thankfully proves to be more than that. There's a "mean girl" but she's not cruel. The "jock love interest" isn't someone who gets by on his looks alone. He instead is sincere, charming and a genuinely good guy throughout. The movie has a classic rom-com vibe but at the same time remains current and real. This can be attributed to the writer and director -two women who obviously understand what makes a believable rom-com- as well as the novel by Jenny Han. The success of this film ultimately comes down to the strength of the main character Lara Jean. Her new relationship grants her entry into the world of the "popular kids" but she retains her own unique style and personality throughout. Her self worth and appearance are never doubted or forced to change. It’s refreshing to see a female lead like this. She's also just a normal girl-not the super popular cheerleader, not the painfully shy outcast. It is nice to see something different than the standard nerdy girl falls for the popular jock. The characters are just themselves and are not confined to stereotypical roles, a real strength of the movie.
Lana Condor and Noah Centino are an absolute joy to watch as Lara Jean and Peter. They have strong screen presence and endearing charisma both together as a couple and as individual actors. Maybe that's what has brought me back to re-watch this movie multiple times. Maybe it's Noah's dreamy smile. I'm not sure but what I do know is that I loved this movie. Watch it and get swept up in the sweet feeling of young love-it's a good one.