The release of The Kissing Booth 2 in 2020 marked the continuation of one of Netflix’s most beloved teen romance franchises. Based on the book series by Beth Reekles, the film picks up where the first movie left off, diving deeper into the lives and relationships of its central characters. With a mix of romance, high school drama, and personal growth, The Kissing Booth 2 has become a significant cultural touchstone for many fans of the teen genre. But beyond the romance and humor, the movie also explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the difficulties of growing up. This article will explore the film’s plot, character arcs, themes, and why it resonates with its audience.
Plot Overview
The movie is set in the aftermath of the first film, where Elle Evans (Joey King) has started her senior year of high school. Her romantic life is complicated as she tries to maintain a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), who is now studying at Harvard. Their relationship is tested by the challenges of distance, time, and the natural changes that come with being in different places in life.
Meanwhile, Elle is navigating life at school, dealing with the usual issues of senior year, applying to colleges, and figuring out who she wants to be in the future. As she becomes more involved with her best friend Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney), who has his own complex relationship with Elle and his girlfriend Rachel (Meganne Young), Elle finds herself entangled in a new, unexpected romance with Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez), a charming new student who becomes her dance partner at the school’s kissing booth charity event.
The tension between Elle’s loyalty to Noah and her growing feelings for Marco drives much of the conflict in the film. As Elle struggles to balance her friendships, her relationship with Noah, and the possibility of a new love, she begins to realize that sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan, and that her heart may not always follow the script.
Characters and Their Development
Elle Evans (Joey King)
Elle Evans is the central character of the Kissing Booth series, and in the second film, her growth is more evident than ever. Elle is a relatable and often flawed protagonist, and much of the movie’s emotional depth comes from her internal struggle. She is forced to reconcile her long-distance relationship with Noah with her growing attraction to Marco. This creates a complex emotional landscape for her, one where she questions her identity and what she wants in life.
Elle is also dealing with the pressure of senior year. She must face difficult decisions about her future, her friendships, and her relationship. The movie explores her journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting how relationships evolve and how people often have to confront tough choices about loyalty, love, and personal goals. Joey King’s portrayal of Elle brings nuance and authenticity to the character, making her relatable to the audience.
Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi)
Noah Flynn’s character in The Kissing Booth 2 is marked by his transition from high school to university life. His relationship with Elle is tested by distance, and he grapples with feelings of jealousy and insecurity. As the older Flynn brother, Noah is also navigating life on his own and figuring out what his future holds. His strong feelings for Elle are clear, but his involvement in a new environment causes him to struggle with being the supportive boyfriend Elle needs.
Jacob Elordi continues to embody the role of Noah with charm and intensity, playing a character who is both protective and vulnerable. His relationship with Elle is tested, but their shared history and chemistry remain central to the story. The distance between them forces Noah to confront his own vulnerabilities, giving the character depth and complexity beyond the stereotypical “bad boy” trope.
Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez)
One of the standout characters in The Kissing Booth 2 is Marco, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez. Marco is introduced as a charming and confident new student who catches Elle’s eye with his charisma and talent. His character brings a new dynamic to the movie, providing a contrast to Noah’s brooding nature. Marco’s character offers Elle a glimpse of a different kind of romance, one that is less complicated by past relationships and more about the excitement of new beginnings.
Marco represents the uncertainty and allure of the unknown, and his connection with Elle complicates her feelings. As Elle grows closer to him, she must grapple with the reality that not all love stories are meant to be, and sometimes the most intense feelings come at the most inconvenient times. Marco’s role in Elle’s journey is integral, and his character provides the audience with a fresh perspective on the emotional challenges of adolescence.
Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney)
Lee Flynn, Noah’s younger brother and Elle’s best friend, is also a key character in The Kissing Booth 2. Lee is struggling with his own relationship with Rachel and his friendship with Elle. The tension between his friendship with Elle and his romantic relationship with Rachel is a central subplot in the film. Lee’s journey is about understanding the balance between friendship and romance, and learning to prioritize the people who matter most in his life.
Joel Courtney brings humor and heart to Lee’s character, and his chemistry with Joey King creates a dynamic that feels genuine and supportive. Lee’s role in Elle’s life is one of loyalty and friendship, but the film also shows how even the closest friendships can be strained when new romantic relationships come into play.
Themes Explored in The Kissing Booth 2
The Complexity of Relationships
At its core, The Kissing Booth 2 explores the complexity of relationships, particularly those during the tumultuous high school years. The film delves into long-distance relationships, the pressure to maintain a connection, and the challenges that come with growing up and changing. Elle’s relationship with Noah is put to the test as she tries to balance her feelings for him with her growing attraction to Marco. This tension serves as a central theme throughout the movie, showing how difficult it can be to navigate love when life and circumstances are constantly changing.
In addition, the film highlights the importance of communication in relationships. Elle and Noah’s lack of communication while they are apart creates tension, but it also emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent with one another. The movie shows how miscommunication and unspoken emotions can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
The Kissing Booth 2 also explores the theme of self-discovery, particularly for Elle. As she moves through her senior year of high school, Elle is confronted with the reality that she is not the same person she was when she first met Noah. She begins to realize that her future and her relationships don’t have to be defined by the past, and that she has the power to shape her own destiny. This journey of self-awareness is central to the film’s message, and it resonates with many viewers who are going through similar stages of personal growth.
The film also touches on the idea that personal growth often involves making difficult choices. Elle’s struggle to choose between Noah and Marco symbolizes the larger question of whether we should follow our hearts or our minds when making decisions about our lives and relationships. The movie suggests that while love can be a powerful force, it is not always enough to overcome the challenges that come with growing up.
Friendship and Loyalty
Another key theme in the film is the importance of friendship and loyalty. Lee and Elle’s relationship is put to the test as romantic relationships begin to complicate their bond. The film highlights how friendships can evolve and change, but it also underscores the importance of maintaining those bonds even when faced with challenges. Loyalty to friends, family, and romantic partners is a constant undercurrent throughout the film, and it plays a significant role in the decisions Elle makes.
The loyalty between Elle and Lee is tested but ultimately reinforced as they navigate their respective relationships. This theme of loyalty also extends to Elle’s relationship with Noah, where she must decide how to balance her devotion to him with her feelings for Marco. The movie suggests that loyalty can be complicated, but it is an essential part of maintaining meaningful relationships.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The Kissing Booth 2 received a mixed but generally positive reception from audiences. Fans of the first film were eager to see what happened next in Elle and Noah’s love story, and the sequel offered plenty of emotional drama, humor, and romantic tension to keep viewers engaged. The film’s relatable characters, catchy soundtrack, and themes of love and personal growth made it a hit among teen audiences, particularly those who grew up watching the first movie.
Critics, however, were more divided. While many praised the performances and the chemistry between the cast, others found the movie’s plot predictable and overly reliant on teen movie tropes. Despite the criticism, The Kissing Booth 2 garnered a loyal fanbase and helped solidify the Kissing Booth franchise as one of Netflix’s standout teen romance offerings.
Conclusion
The Kissing Booth 2 is a film that resonates deeply with fans of teen romance, offering a mix of heartfelt drama, romance, and coming-of-age themes. Through its well-drawn characters, relatable struggles, and exploration of loyalty, love, and self-discovery, the movie has earned its place in the pantheon of modern teen films. Whether you love it or critique its tropes, The Kissing Booth 2 is undeniably a reflection of the emotional rollercoaster that is adolescence, and it captures the ups and downs of growing up in a way that speaks to many.