The Kissing Booth 2 (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place across two major locations: Harvard University in Boston, where Noah attends college, and the University of California, Berkeley, which represents Elle's college aspirations. The story shifts between these settings as Elle navigates her long-distance relationship and her future decisions.

• harvard
• berkeley
• setting
• locations
• boston
• college

The movie is set in present day, reflecting contemporary teenage life, relationships, and the pressures of transitioning into adulthood. The story unfolds during Elle's senior year of high school, spanning events like the Charity Fair, Halloween Dance, Thanksgiving, and graduation.

• present day
• time period
• modern
• contemporary
• high school senior year

Noah Flynn attends Harvard University in Boston. His transition to college life at this prestigious institution creates the geographical distance that strains his relationship with Elle and introduces new dynamics in their long-distance romance.

• noah flynn
• harvard
• college
• boston
• long-distance relationship

Elle applies to the University of California, Berkeley alongside her best friend Lee. Berkeley symbolizes her academic aspirations and represents a path that keeps her closer to home, in contrast to Noah's choice of Harvard on the East Coast.

• elle evans
• berkeley
• college applications
• university
• future

The film explores three core themes: Love and Jealousy, as Elle struggles with insecurity over Noah's friendship with Chloe; Self-Discovery, where Elle learns to prioritize her own identity over relationship expectations; and Friendship Dynamics, examining how romantic interests can strain even the strongest bonds.

• themes
• love
• jealousy
• self-discovery
• friendship
• identity

Jealousy becomes a major obstacle in Elle and Noah's relationship when Noah's friendship with Chloe at college triggers Elle's insecurity and trust issues. This tension ultimately tests their bond and forces both characters to confront whether their relationship can survive the distance and emotional strain.

• jealousy
• trust
• relationship
• noah
• chloe
• insecurity

Elle evolves from a character defined by her relationship with Noah to someone who learns to embrace her true self. During a pivotal college interview, she receives advice to prioritize her own identity over conforming to others' expectations, leading her to make choices based on what she genuinely wants rather than what keeps peace with those around her.

• elle evans
• growth
• identity
• self-discovery
• college interview
• personal development

Marco Peña is a charming new character who enters Elle's life during senior year. His friendly demeanor and competitive nature create a connection with Elle that challenges her loyalty to Noah, representing a potential romantic interest who makes Elle question her feelings and future.

• marco peña
• love interest
• new character
• romantic tension
• character introduction

The film emphasizes Elle and Lee's strong friendship while showing how romantic interests can strain even the closest bonds. Both Elle's relationship with Lee and her growing connection with Marco create tension, illustrating the complexity of maintaining friendships while navigating romantic complications.

• friendship
• lee flynn
• marco
• best friend
• relationship strain

The main characters include Elle Evans, a determined senior navigating romance and friendship; Noah Flynn, her college-attending boyfriend experiencing new freedoms; Marco Peña, the charming newcomer who challenges her feelings; and Lee Flynn, Elle's loyal best friend supporting her through challenges while managing his own relationship with Rachel.

• elle evans
• noah flynn
• marco peña
• lee flynn
• main characters
• cast