Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, released in 2015, provides an innovative take on the theme of friendship, first love, and heartbreak, drawing audiences in with its humor, authenticity, and heartwarming messages. The engaging story is further enhanced by the strong performances of the main actors - Victoria Justice, Pierson Fode, and Matthew Daddario.

The narrative revolves around the long-standing friendship between Naomi (Victoria Justice) and Ely (Pierson Fode), who share a bond that stretches back to their childhood. Growing up in the same apartment block in New York City, they've forged an excessively close, co-dependent bond that has made them inseparable. The other crucial element that ties Naomi and Ely together is their shared admiration for Ely's gay identity. This aspect is important because, despite having boyfriends, Naomi secretly imagines a perfect romantic future with Ely. To protect their deep friendship, they get together and come up with an interesting concept, the “No Kiss List.”

The No Kiss List is an agreement between Naomi and Ely wherein they list all the men that neither of them is allowed to kiss, under any circumstances, in an attempt to prevent romantic involvement from complicating their friendship. This list includes people from their intimate circle and strangers alike. Their goal is to ensure that their friendship remains unthreatened by romance. Life, however, as it often does, brings its own twists and turns. They find their friendship shaking at its foundation when Ely breaks the rules and kisses someone who is on their shared No Kiss List.

The atmosphere of New York City and the vibrant culture of their urban neighborhood is well encapsulated throughout the film. The movie presents the growth and evolution of its main characters against the backdrop of their city.

Victoria Justice as Naomi delivers a compelling performance, playing the part of a young girl grappling with complicated feelings and relationship dynamics. Her portrayal of Naomi is particularly enjoyable because of the character's warmth, humor, and vulnerable moments that allude to her complex emotional state. Naomi is fiercely protective of their friendship and throughout the film, we see her dealing with feelings of anger, betrayal, acceptance, and eventually, self-discovery.

Pierson Fode excels in his portrayal of Ely, effortlessly portraying the charming and affable character while also expressing his struggle to balance his affection for Naomi and his own romantic pursuits. Matthew Daddario, who plays the character that upends the equilibrium of Naomi and Ely's friendship, also delivers a noteworthy performance.

The supporting characters also bring an enjoyable mix of comedy and drama to the storyline, as they navigate their own romantic entanglements and contribute to the plot's progression.

Throughout the movie, the importance of friendship is repeatedly highlighted, emphasizing that it is as significant and precious as romantic love. The story teaches us that relationships of all kinds can be messy and complicated, and that life rarely goes according to plan.

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List is ultimately about growing up, about the complexity of relationships, the euphoria of first love, and the pain of first heartbreak. It is a beautiful story of self-discovery, where the characters learn to let go, move on, and build a life beyond what they initially conceived.

With its light-hearted and witty dialogue, vibrant characters, and honest portrayal of youthful relationships, the movie captivates viewers, leaving them with a sense of reflection on their own experiences of friendship, love, and the inevitable heartbreaks that come with them. A must-watch for fans of teen drama and romantic comedies, this film brings with itself a freshness that separates it from others of its genre.

In summary, Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List is a delightful coming-of-age movie that displays the journeys of its titular characters from childhood friends to individuals who must confront their feelings and make tough decisions. It is an exploration into the dynamics of friendship and love, fuelled by engaging performances and a relatable narrative. The movie not only guarantees an enjoyable viewing experience but also leaves audiences with a fresh perspective on relationships of all forms.