Warning: may cause unexpected feelings of forever-aloneness.

This is a review just of the movie. I haven’t read the book (although everyone is recommending it so that may happen in the future) so there won’t be any comparisons between the two.

I’m not a big rom-com watcher, but there are some I do end up liking, and this turned out to be one of them. It’s just a darn cute movie that makes you realize you may never find someone…onto the review.

Five Love Letters

For those who don’t know anything about this movie, Lara Jean Covey is a romantic but hasn’t herself felt that. Sure she’s fallen for people and still has a crush on her sister’s boyfriend but as for the real stuff, it scares her. Over the years, when she’s developed feelings, she’s written love letters to specific people (addressed and everything) but never intended to send them.

Of course, the letters get sent out and Lara Jean has to deal with the consequences. All the while her older sister is off to college in Scotland, a past friend continues to bully her and is still dealing with the problems of being a teenager.

The Contract

Like I said, Lara Jean has had a crush on her sister’s boyfriend, Josh, for some time and he’s one of the people who receive a letter. In order to keep her feelings for him a secret and her sister doesn’t find out (her sister who just broke up with Josh before leaving) she and another letter recipient, Peter, create a fake relationship. We all know how these usually end up, but it’s the progression that keeps you watching.

Lara doesn’t want Josh to know her feelings and Peter wants to make his ex-girlfriend Gen (also the one who bullies Lara) jealous and eventually get back together with him.

It’s pretty clear early on Peter is flirty with Lara Jean, even in private, but to her, the whole relationship is fake and won’t last three months. They have a lot more common than she originally thought and bond over family issues. It’s fun watching them go from acquaintances to actually become friends and possibly more.

Small Nitpicks

There’s nothing I truly dislike about this movie. I went in not knowing if I’d like it, and since I knew what would happen (thanks to everyone spoiling it on Twitter) there wasn’t a BIG surprise, but despite all that I enjoyed it.

However, there were a few things I didn’t feel got conclusive endings. Gen likes to make Lara Jean’s life miserable, especially after finding out she’s dating Peter, and throughout it all I wanted Lara Jean to just have a moment where she sticks it in Gen’s face.

Another sets up the beginning when Lara Jean’s sister breaks up with Josh. I wasn’t sure where that was going to go: are they getting back together? Does Josh now have feelings for Lara Jean or is he weirded out by her letter?

And finally, I think this is something a lot of people would say, I wanted more scenes with Lara Jean and Peter. It’s not that I don’t think they were set up well, they actually were, but I just wanted to see them together more. However, I’m sure the book can help us out in that department.

Overall

Like I said, I’m not a big rom-com fan, but this one is cute and does give you those loneliness feelings. Peter has his flaws but he still sets the bar high. Lara Jean is relatable with her awkwardness so I think she’ll appeal with many people. Put the two together and they work.

If you’re like me and aren’t usually into these movies, I do recommend giving this a watch. It’s not long (under two hours) and flies by when the scenes get intense.

Apparently, there is a sequel that could also be adapted, and I’ll for sure be waiting for that.

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