“The Kissing Booth” (2018) is a romantic comedy teen film from the United States, adapted from the novel of the same name by Beth Reekles. The movie revolves around the complicated love story of a teenage girl who participates in a “kissing booth” at a school fair and faces complex relationships with friends and family.
Plot Summary:
Elle Evans (played by Joey King) is a 16-year-old girl living in Los Angeles who has a lifelong best friend named Lee Flynn (played by Joel Courtney). Elle and Lee have been close since childhood and have a special bond with their own set of rules. One of the most important rules is that Elle is not allowed to date Lee’s older brother, Noah Flynn (played by Jacob Elordi), who Elle both admires and fears, as Noah is a popular, charming, but somewhat intimidating guy.
However, things take a turn when Elle accidentally participates in organizing a kissing booth at the school fair to raise money. When Noah unexpectedly stands at Elle’s kissing booth, the two share an unexpected and unforgettable kiss, causing their relationship to become more complicated. Elle and Noah’s romantic feelings begin to grow, but the biggest issue is that this relationship violates Elle and Lee’s most important rule. Elle faces an emotional dilemma as she tries to keep her feelings for Noah hidden to avoid hurting Lee, her best friend. Yet, as Elle and Noah’s attraction deepens, she is torn between preserving her friendship with Lee and pursuing her feelings for Noah.
In addition to this, Elle and Noah’s relationship is not without its challenges. Noah is a brooding, popular guy with a difficult family situation, particularly with his mother and younger brother. Their love story faces multiple obstacles, from personal conflicts to misunderstandings, as well as issues involving family and friends.
The Kissing Booth isn’t just about Elle and Noah’s romanceโit’s also about Elle learning to balance her relationships with friends, love, and family. She faces difficult decisions and realizes that growing up is not just about figuring out who you love, but also about maintaining the important relationships in your life.
Main Characters:
- Elle Evans (Joey King): The protagonist of the film, a smart, fun, and strong-willed girl who is sometimes easily influenced by others. Elle has feelings for Noah, but she doesn’t want to hurt her best friend.
- Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi): Lee’s older brother, a charming and popular guy with a distant and cold exterior. He begins to develop feelings for Elle, but their relationship faces numerous hurdles, especially since it conflicts with the friendship rules between Elle and Lee.
- Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney): Elle’s best friend from childhood. He is protective of Elle and, at times, selfish in their relationship. Lee is very important to Elle, but he has trouble accepting Elle dating Noah.
- Rachel Flynn (Molly Ringwald): Noah and Lee’s mother, a loving and caring woman who wants her children to figure out how to handle the complicated relationship between Elle and Noah.
Main Themes:
- Teen Love: The film revolves around a sweet yet complicated love story between Elle and Noah, set in the context of teenage years, where feelings and relationships can change quickly.
- Friendship: A key theme in the film is the bond between Elle and Lee, and the unique rules they’ve had since childhood. The story explores how their friendship is tested when Elle develops feelings for Noah.
- Family: The movie also delves into family dynamics, particularly between Noah, Lee, and their mother, showing how complicated family relationships can be but also the love and support that binds them together.
- Growing Up and Making Choices: The film highlights Elle’s coming-of-age journey, where she must make difficult decisions and face the changes in her relationships. It’s about navigating the ups and downs of life as a teenager, from love to friendships and family.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
- Sweet Romance: If you enjoy light-hearted, heartwarming teen romances, “The Kissing Booth” is a perfect choice. The chemistry between Elle and Noah is charming and will tug at your heartstrings.
- Strong Performances: Joey King and Jacob Elordi deliver great performances in portraying their complex characters and their developing relationship. Their on-screen chemistry is one of the highlights of the film.
- Relatable Story: The movie offers a relatable storyline about teenage love, friendships, and the struggle to balance these relationships with growing up and finding your identity.
- Lighthearted Fun: The movie has a fun, easygoing vibe, filled with humor and moments that will make you laugh and root for the characters.
Conclusion:
“The Kissing Booth” (2018) is a delightful romantic comedy that tells the story of love, friendship, and the challenges that come with growing up. It’s a perfect pick for fans of teen romance and anyone who enjoys light-hearted films about relationships, personal growth, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence. The sweet and emotional moments between Elle and Noah, along with the conflicts and dilemmas they face, will keep you engaged and entertained throughout the movie.