The Kissing Booth

The Kissing Booth is a 2018 American teen romantic comedy film directed by Vince Marcello, based on the novel of the same name by Beth Reekles. The story is a tender coming-of-age narrative that centralizes on Elle Evans (Joey King), a high school student who has never been kissed. When she decides to run a kissing booth at the school's spring carnival, she unexpectedly finds herself locking lips with her long-time crush.

In the very heart of the film is the classic tale of an unassuming teenager navigating the impartial crossroads of adolescence; the confusing adventures of first love, the bittersweetness of growing up, the trials of maintaining friendships, and the inevitable partings that come with them. The lead, Elle, is not your typical rom-com protagonist. She's relatable, she struggles with her body image, and she's uncomfortable in her own skin, a scenario that many teenagers face.

Joey King shines as the relatable and plucky Elle Evans. Elle has been best friends with Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney) since they were born on the same day in the same hospital. Navigating the realms of teenagehood, their friendship code becomes an essential highlight of the narrative.

The plot thickens when Elle is faced with a moral dilemma that undermines her cherished friendship, breaking the most important rule of the friendship code: not dating each other's relatives. As Elle obliviously falls in love with Lee's older brother Noah (Jacob Elordi), the film delves into the sensitive detours of adolescent love and friendships.

Noah, the traditional bad boy with a heart of gold, is the object of Elle's secret affection; his character, played strongly by Jacob Elordi, often steals the show with his easy charm and deceptively complex persona. Noah's character is the central conflict of the movie that makes the otherwise lighthearted narrative more substantial. There is an unavoidable rift forming in the deep-rooted friendship of Elle and Lee, all thanks to the "forbidden fruit"- Noah.

Joel Courtney wonderfully portrays the character of Lee, the quintessential best friend. He's undeniably an inherent part of Elle's life, and the representation of their friendship is pure, earnest and undramatic, reflecting a genuine bond. Their companionship’s authenticity and the affable charm of their shared history make for some of the most delightful sequences in the film.

The name Kissing Booth is derived from the star event of the student carnival where Elle finally gets her first kiss, the result of which spirals into a series of events that question the very essence of her relationship with Lee and Noah. Not only does the booth become a metaphor for the young girl's all-consuming fears, but it is also the place where she first experiences love's transformative power.

Director Vince Marcello skilfully transforms everyday school life into a vibrant tableau of colours and emotions, blending humour, melancholy, romance and classic teenage angst. With an engaging storyline and a sense of relatability, The Kissing Booth provides a nostalgic look at the classic teenage romantic comedies. Even though the plot feels familiar, Marcello's unique approach keeps the audience engrossed.

The film beautifully encapsulates the joys and pains of growing up, the thrill of experiencing first love, and the heartache of dealing with the consequences that come with it. It underscores the importance of friendships as well as their fragility in the face of life's seismic shifts – including the onset of romantic relationships. Plus, it truthfully portrays that aforementioned dilemma: having to choose between a cherished friendship and a burgeoning love.

Filled with an amusing blend of comedy and conflated teenage drama, The Kissing Booth is a film that offers a light-hearted depiction of adolescent love, friendship, and the crossroads faced by many in their passage towards adulthood. It's a delightful rom-com that plays out with a twist, guaranteeing chuckles, sighs and lighthearted entertainment.