But there was something about To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before that pulled me in. Maybe it was the idea of private love letters accidentally unleashed into the wild, or maybe it was the soft pastel visuals and nostalgic soundtrack that promised a cosy viewing experience. Whatever it was, I found myself completely swept up in Lara Jean’s world — awkward, heartfelt, and far more relatable than I’d expected.
Plot Overview: Letters, Lies, and Unexpected Love
The story, based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novel, follows Lara Jean Covey (played charmingly by Lana Condor), a shy high schooler who writes unsent love letters to all her past crushes — five, to be exact — as a way of dealing with her feelings. But when those letters mysteriously get mailed out, her life spirals into a comedy of embarrassment, forced relationships, and self-discovery. One of the recipients is Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo), the effortlessly cool guy who proposes a fake relationship to make his ex jealous. What begins as a strategic arrangement unfolds into something far more genuine and touching.
Director’s Vision: Subtle Whimsy Meets Coming-of-Age Warmth
Director Susan Johnson brings a soft, dreamy aesthetic to the screen that balances just the right amount of sugar with sincerity. There’s a comforting simplicity in how she frames teenage life — without the exaggerated angst or melodrama that often plagues the genre. The film feels personal and handcrafted, like a love letter itself. Johnson never pushes too hard for drama, letting the emotional beats land naturally amid playful moments and quiet revelations.
Performances: A Cast That Feels Genuinely Teenaged
Lana Condor delivers an understated but emotionally rich performance, capturing Lara Jean’s blend of awkwardness and depth. Her chemistry with Noah Centineo is undeniable, giving the film its heart and humour. Centineo’s Peter isn’t your average jock — he’s charismatic with surprising emotional intelligence, making him more than just a poster boy. Israel Broussard, Janel Parrish, and Anna Cathcart round out the supporting cast with strong performances, especially Cathcart as the scene-stealing younger sister, Kitty, who sets the plot in motion.
Cinematography and Sound: Instagram-Ready, But Earned
The film’s aesthetic leans into a carefully curated palette of pastels and dreamy lighting. It might sound overly stylised, but it works — enhancing the story’s innocence and internal world of Lara Jean. Michael Fimognari’s cinematography feels almost like a scrapbook come to life, and the indie-pop soundtrack (including gems from Lauv and The Wild Reeds) complements the emotional tone without overshadowing it.
Themes & Symbolism: When Vulnerability Becomes Empowerment
At its heart, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is about owning your feelings. It’s a sweet meditation on what happens when the walls we build around our hearts are breached. The “fake relationship” trope may be familiar, but here it’s used to explore the vulnerability of truly being seen, especially during the messiness of adolescence. There’s also a lovely underlying narrative about sisterhood and cultural identity (Lara Jean is half-Korean, like the author), which adds subtle depth without becoming didactic.
Factual Details: Ratings, Budget, and Recognition
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Budget: Estimated at around $10 million
- Awards: Though it didn’t sweep major awards, it garnered several nominations and wins at teen-focused award shows, including a Teen Choice Award for Choice Romantic Comedy.
Audience Reactions: USA vs. UK
In the USA, the film became a cultural moment for Gen Z — fuelled by its Netflix release and viral moments across social media. Viewers embraced it as a return to the golden age of teen rom-coms, with memes, fan edits, and intense love for the main couple flooding TikTok and Twitter.
British audiences, while also charmed, approached the film with a bit more distance. The nostalgic teen drama vibe resonated, but it was viewed more as “a charming American fantasy” rather than a realistic reflection. UK critics praised its inclusivity and visual appeal but were occasionally sceptical of its overly sweet tone. Still, many viewers here found it a delightful escape — especially during lockdowns when the film soared in popularity.
Final Verdict: Light, Lovely, and Surprisingly Honest
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before isn’t just a teen fantasy — it’s a heartfelt story of emotional courage. It wraps its coming-of-age themes in a glossy, comforting shell without sacrificing sincerity. It won me over with its earnestness, and trust me, it might win you over too — even if you think you’re far past high school drama.
