Boys triggers cringeworthy moments all too relatable for teen viewers

After nearly three years, the To All the Boys movie trilogy has finally come to an end. For those who haven’t been paying attention to the teen romance series since 2018, the films follow Lara Jean (Lana Condor) as she navigates high school and her, previously fake, relationship with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). From malicious ex-friends to former crushes showing up unexpectedly, these films have no shortage of teenage relationship drama. While To All the Boys: Always and Forever offers some great acting and relatable high school experiences, the many cheesy, cringey moments may make some viewers want to turn off their screens and never return. 

From Vouge

The film begins in the middle of Lara Jean and Peter’s senior year as they eagerly await college decision announcements. Peter has already been accepted into Stanford and is committed, but Lara Jean, while hoping to go to Stanford as well, is waiting for her decision update. But when Lara Jean finds herself exploring NYU on the senior trip to New York, Stanford suddenly doesn’t seem like the best option anymore. Between the unknowns of a long-distance relationship with Peter and her fear of choosing the wrong school, Lara Jean finds herself surrounded by difficult choices amid one of the biggest changes of her life: college. 

One of the best things about the To All the Boys movies is the raw, contagious emotion Condor brings to the role. Anytime Lara Jean faces an emotional event, the heartbreak can be seen on her face and, especially for someone who has grown attached to her character or has gone through a similar situation, the audience can feel the heartbreak too. 

Besides Condor’s phenomenal acting, the chemistry between her and Centineo is fantastic as well. There’s never a moment in the film where you find yourself questioning the authenticity of Lara Jean’s and Peter’s relationship, not only thanks to the chemistry of the characters but also the connection that the actors are able to portray in every scene they have together. 

Aside from the lovey-dovey relationship scenes in the movie, To All the Boys: Always and Forever actually has some pretty relatable topics. In going to college, Lara Jean finds herself in a situation where she’ll be states away from her family and friends, making this significant change much more difficult. The film also depicts the anxiety of waiting for acceptance to one’s dream school and the heartbreak of being rejected and having dreams shatter. With the end of the school year approaching, these are just a few struggles that many seniors may find themselves facing as their lives begin to turn upside-down. 

The unfortunate reality of a teenage romance series like To All the Boys is that many moments may be deemed too melodramatic by some viewers. Today, it’s pretty common to go on any social media platform and find a plethora of people mocking, laughing at, and complaining about popular movies that they find ridiculous and mediocre. To All the Boys is no exception to this. Especially since the films feature Centineo, who is known for having many cringe-worthy tweets and giving an embarrassingly confusing speech at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards, there’s no shortage of posts mocking him or the series. 

But these moments aren’t only Centineo’s fault as they also come from the embarrassing and awkward moments that the film depicts at times. But, in all honesty, these moments may make the film just that much more realistic and relatable. Can anyone really say they did nothing cringeworthy during high school? Or something cheesy for their crush or significant other? Yes, they may not be the most fun or comfortable moments to watch, but it’s probably the same as reflecting on your own life and remembering your own most embarrassing moments. 

If you can look past the moments of secondhand embarrassment, To All the Boys: Always and Forever really isn’t the worst movie to watch if you’re looking for a fun, warm-hearted film, and its setting is one that many high school students can relate to. Sure, the movie might be a little awkward at points, but isn’t that what being a teenager is all about?

Grade: B-

By: Caitlynn Gehl

February 26, 2021

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 5