Behind: To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Written by Casey MacMaster
Some films have a way of making you feel as though you have stepped back into a time in your life that you never quite want to leave behind. ‘To All the Boys I've Loved Before’ is one of those films. With its soft colours, comforting atmosphere and familiar portrayal of teenage life, it captures the excitement and awkwardness of growing up in a way that feels nostalgic and personal. From the uncertainty of having a crush to the everyday experiences of high school, the film brings together the many small moments of life that make being a teenager memorable and a time that most people would love to relive. It is the kind of film I could watch a million times without growing tired of it, not necessarily because its story is perfect but because of how it makes me feel every time I watch it.
The idea of the film is both entertaining and revealing of Lara Jean’s character. Her habit of writing love letters to the boys she has previously fallen for, without intending to send them, reflects her fear of expressing emotions and potentially getting hurt. However, I think it also reveals a level of emotional maturity. Rather than ignoring or dismissing her feelings, Lara Jean finds a way to process them privately, something that makes her character interesting and even admirable. The unexpected delivery of these letters creates an uncertainty that keeps the audience engaged. Will Lara Jean finally get the boy she has been dreaming about, or will her private thoughts lead to an embarrassing encounter she will never forget? Watching her navigate the consequences is one of the film’s most entertaining aspects. Her awkward encounter, particularly the unexpected kiss with Peter and her embarrassment at school, provides plenty of humour while making her feel relatable. As the story develops, the growing connection between Lara Jean and Peter gives the audience something genuine to invest in, while the uncertainty surrounding their relationship and Gen’s involvement keeps us wondering how everything will unfold.
One of the most appealing aspects of the film is Lara Jean herself. Unlike many portrayals of teenage girls in high school romcoms, she doesn’t seem particularly interested in changing herself to fit in with everyone else. She is comfortable with her own interests, imagination and unconventional personality, which makes her really refreshing to watch. She approaches situations in her own way. Peter, on the other hand, is a somewhat more conventional character. Initially, Peter appears to fit the familiar image of the popular high school boy, but he gradually reveals a more considerate side through his growing affection for Lara Jean. Although I find his character less complex than hers, their chemistry is undeniably believable because their relationship is built around teenage awkwardness, teasing and underlying tension. Some of the most charming moments are also the simplest. Peter driving Lara Jean to school after discovering that she dislikes driving is a particularly sweet example of how their relationship develops through small gestures. His daily notes to her provide a contrast to Lara Jean’s love letters, suggesting that the feelings she once kept tightly knit to herself have become something shared. However, Peter's character isn’t without his complications. The hot tub scene during the ski trip introduces an unexpected uncertainty into their relationship. Having watched Peter gradually become more considerate towards Lara Jean, I found it disappointing to discover that he had originally been waiting for Gen. It seems to contradict the character development we have witnessed, particularly when his previous actions suggest that he was beginning to move on from his previous relationship. At the same time, perhaps this is an intentional decision by the filmmakers. Relationships are rarely as straightforward as they appear, and people do not always move on from their past as easily as they would like to believe. This adds a degree of complication to the otherwise familiar romantic storyline, although I do think Peter's behaviour could have been explored in greater depth. It leaves the audience questioning how genuine his feelings are and whether his relationship with Lara Jean is as certain as we have been led to believe.
The film’s visual style plays a significant role in creating the comforting atmosphere that makes it so enjoyable to watch. Its use of soft pastel colours and warm lighting gives the film an almost dreamlike quality, making ordinary moments feel cosy and memorable. This aesthetic contributes to the nostalgic feeling I associate with the film, as though it captures a version of teenage life that you would want to revisit. Lara jeans clothing also helps establish her personality. Her quirky outfits suggest someone who is comfortable expressing herself through what she wears, without feeling the need to follow everyone else’s opinions or expectations. This makes her individuality visible. However, I do think the film portrays an idealised version of high school. Its carefully chosen colours, settings, and visual details seem to complement the events taking place in Lara Jean's life, making her experiences feel almost picture-perfect. Rather than presenting high school entirely realistically, the film creates an appealing world that reflects the excitement, romance and uncertainty of being a teenager. In my opinion, it allows the audience to escape into a world that feels familiar, yet slightly more special than everyday life. Personally, I think this idealisation makes the film more enjoyable. Rather than needing to reflect every difficulty of real teenage life, it offers an escape into a world filled with warmth and possibility. It allows the audience to experience the excitement of Lara Jean's teenage years alongside her, which is a big part of why the film feels so comforting to return to.
The soundtrack is another element that adds to the film’s youthful and uplifting atmosphere. Featuring modern, upbeat songs such as ‘I Like Me Better’ by Lauv and ‘Lovers’ by Anna of the North, the music complements the excitement and uncertainty of Lara Jean's teenage experiences. It’s also interesting how some of the music has continued to find an audience beyond the film itself, with songs such as Lovers gaining renewed popularity through TikTok. This gives the soundtrack a lasting connection to teenage culture and adds to the film’s nostalgic appeal.
Beneath the story's light-hearted romance, ‘To All the Boys I've Loved Before’ explores several meaningful aspects of growing up. One of its most important messages is the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and accepting that making mistakes is an inevitable part of life. At the beginning of the film, Lara Jean is reluctant to express her feelings openly, preferring to keep her emotions hidden in the letters. However, as the story unfolds, she is gradually pushed into situations that challenge her usual way of approaching relationships. Although these experiences are often uncomfortable, they allow her to grow in confidence and become more willing to take emotional risks. The film also explores the importance of vulnerability, showing that allowing others to understand your feelings can be frightening but is necessary for building connections. Lara Jean also learns that she doesn’t need to change her personality or abandon her individuality to be accepted by others. I particularly appreciate these messages because they make the film more than just a predictable teenage romance. They give its story a sense of purpose and make Lara Jean's experiences feel relevant beyond the screen.
Ultimately, what makes ‘To All the Boys I've Loved Before’ so special to me goes far beyond its romantic storyline; it reminds me to enjoy being a teenager, embrace the experiences that come my way and not be afraid of the uncertainty that comes with growing up. There is something particularly comforting about watching Lara Jean navigate the excitement and embarrassment of high school, knowing that these experiences are all part of discovering who you are. The film leaves me with a warm, almost nostalgic feeling, making me appreciate the little moments that can so easily be overlooked while growing up. Although its portrayal of teenage life is idealised and some aspects of the storyline could have been explored in greater depth, I think this is part of what makes it so enjoyable. It offers an escape into a world that feels familiar yet captivating, reminding us that growing up does not have to be perfect to be memorable. I could genuinely watch this film a million times and never grow tired of it. It is not simply a film about falling in love with someone else, but also about learning to embrace yourself and the experiences that shape you.