To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You review: A delightful sequel
Review Overview
Script
8Visual
8Cast
8Rating
Katie Smith-Wong | On 10, Feb 2020
Director: Michael Fimognari
Cast: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher, Emilija Baranac, Holland Taylor
Certificate: 12
Watch To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You online in the UK: Netflix UK
Not seen To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before? Read our review here
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You marks the second instalment of the To All the Boys film series after the 2018 Netflix hit. With Lana Condor and Noah Centineo reprising their roles, the sequel sees Lara Jean Covey (Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Centineo) ripping up the rule book and becoming a proper couple. However, Lara Jean experiences a problem in the shape of John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher) – another recipient of her “secret” love letters.
When we first see Lara Jean, she is on cloud nine. Dancing happily around her room, she has managed to get together with the dreamboat of her school. As the film progresses, tha initial high quickly fades and Lara Jean is still plagued by her insecurities that she isn’t good enough, especially as her experience as an actual girlfriend is practically non-existent. Unfortunately, Peter doesn’t help to appease her fears, and his unspoken loyalty to his ex, Gen (Emilija Baranac), continues to test their relationship. With constant reminders of their history littered around the school, Lara Jean’s doubts cause her to almost anticipate their break-up.
Enter John Ambrose McClaren – a talented, sensitive young man who surprisingly has similar insecurities and interests to Lara Jean’s. On paper, he is her equal, especially as she admitted the depths of feelings in her letter, and it is hinted that he feels the same, especially as he wanted to keep his letter as proof that someone ‘liked’ him. Similar to the first film, the plot is formulaic of any teen romance. It bounces between Peter and John, highlighting their differences and chemistry with Lara Jean, with the tension culminating in an awkward get-together. This love triangle also cuts short sweet moments with Lara Jean’s family, most notably her scene-stealing younger sister Kitty (Anita Cathcart).
Although Lara Jean’s troubles sound too familiar, it is hard not to fall in love with her character all over again, as Condor’s performance makes her an endearing protagonist who doesn’t cave into pettiness and vanity. Condor and Centineo still have the same winning spark, with Fisher providing a charming distraction. Holland Taylor is also a wonderful addition as Lara Jean’s good-natured surrogate mother figure, Stormy. With Michael Fimognari (cinematographer for the first film) making his directorial debut, there is a consistent pace that allows audiences to appreciate the stunning production design. With a mature screenplay by Sofia Alvarez and J. Mills Goodloe, To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is a delightful sequel that will continue to win over audiences.
To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.