To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You

Lara Jean Covey, portrayed by Lana Condor, finds herself navigating the complexities of love during her high school’s volunteer program. While her boyfriend, Peter Kavinsky, chooses to volunteer with his friends, Lara Jean opts for a different path by going to the Belleview Retirement Home where her older sister, Margot, had previously volunteered. On her inaugural day at Belleview, she encounters the quirky and charming Stormy, portrayed by Holland Taylor, one of Margot’s often-mentioned stories. Lara Jean dramatically slips on a mound of gumballs and discovers that John Ambrose McClaren, played by Jordan Fisher, is also there to volunteer. Their conversation leads to John Ambrose allowing Lara Jean to read a personal letter he had written, setting off a chain of thoughts that leaves her reflecting deeply on her current relationship with Peter, particularly as she finds herself comparing herself to her former best friend and Peter’s ex-girlfriend, Gen.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Lara Jean sees her peers being serenaded by acapella groups, and learns that Peter had sent a group to serenade Gen while they were dating. This realization heightens her insecurities about her relationship. However, moments later, Peter gifts her a silver necklace and reads a poem he claims to have penned just for her. Unfortunately, she discovers through Stormy that this poem is actually derived from Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee”, making her feel disheartened. Peter sincerely apologizes for the misunderstanding, expressing his true feelings through the poem.

As Lara Jean and John Ambrose volunteer together, they grow closer and decide to organize a Star Ball for the retirement home, unearthing some forgotten decorations. John Ambrose appears to develop romantic feelings for Lara Jean, though she finds it challenging to disclose her relationship with Peter. She reminisces about their shared memories at their tree house from middle school, which is scheduled for demolition due to new neighbors moving in. They gather friends, including Gen, to unearth a shared time capsule, but Gen surprisingly claims she didn’t contribute anything, leading to a flurry of emotions. Tensions rise when Peter grows jealous of John Ambrose and openly acknowledges his relationship with Lara Jean. Eventually, the couple reconciles after a heated argument.

The following day, Lara Jean feels compelled to apologize to John Ambrose for her lack of transparency regarding Peter, and he graciously forgives her. However, her decision to attend Peter’s game turns sour when she learns from her friend Chris that Peter was seen with Gen, leading to a confrontation where Lara Jean uncovers Peter’s lingering feelings for Gen. Realizing she was merely a rebound for Peter, which strains her trust, she breaks up with him. Later, during a heartfelt meeting at the tree house, Gen clarifies that Peter was only comforting her due to her parents’ separation and assures Lara Jean of Peter’s love. Gen also claims to have contributed to the time capsule but was too embarrassed to reveal it. This newfound understanding helps Lara Jean to reconcile her friendship with Gen and reassess her romantic feelings.

When the night of the Star Ball finally arrives, Stormy enhances Lara Jean’s beauty with a stunning dress and makeover, and she and John Ambrose share a magical dance. However, when they share a kiss outside in the snow, Lara Jean realizes her heart truly belongs to Peter. John softly informs her that Peter is waiting outside, prompting Lara Jean to rush out in her elegant dress to find Peter waiting for her. He reveals his patience, stating that he stood outside because he remembered her fear of driving in snow, which she had mentioned on their first date. Peter gives Lara Jean the choice to end things, but instead, she professes her love for him, and he returns the sentiment. Their reconciliation culminates in a tender kiss, and Lara Jean reflects in voiceover that while she once yearned for a fairy tale romance with Peter, she is now content with the reality of their love story.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:50