This article contains spoilers.

Exactly one year after the sequel’s release, the final chapter of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before movie series hit Netflix on February 12, 2021. The film, To All the Boys: Always and Forever, was heartwarming and the perfect way to end the trilogy. 

The final film follows couple Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) as they navigate through the excitements and difficulties of senior year. Peter and Lara Jean have a plan to go to Stanford together, but when Lara Jean is rejected and finds happiness at New York University (NYU), they experience a bumpy road in their relationship. Lara Jean and Peter both must learn that life is not always as expected, but in times of difficulty, it is important to make the most out of your situation and find a light in the dark.

First and foremost, the development of Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship from the beginning of the trilogy to the end is not only adorable, but very noticeable. In the first film, the audience watches as Lara Jean and Peter go from acquaintances, to having a fake relationship, to falling in love with each other . In the second film, the fans  watch as Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship takes off, and the two deal with those “start-of-a-relationship” fears and confusions. Then, comes the third film, where the couple is not only in love with each other, but are each other’s best friends. There is no more awkwardness between the two, yet rather trust and the ability to confide in one another. The couple has officially achieved Lara Jean’s fantasized expectations of the perfect “1980’s film rom-com” couple.

Throughout the film, nearly all of the main characters underwent major character breakthroughs. Lara Jean went from trying to be the picture perfect girlfriend in the beginning of the film, to learning how to put herself and her dreams first. Peter learned that life is not always going to go as planned, but rather than getting angry, learn to make the most out of the situation. Peter’s ex-girlfriend and Lara Jean’s “frenemy” Gen (Emilija Baranac) evolved from her portrayal of the mean girl antagonist, to actually developing a friendship with Lara Jean. Gen grew as a character greatly, learning it’s more important to have fun with others rather than trying to be superior over them. Lara Jean’s best friend Christine (Madeleine Arthur), better known as Chris, grew into a more vital role of the film. Chris was no longer seen as just the best friend sidekick, yet as the fourth, unofficial Song Covey sister.

The iconic and fan favorite character, Kitty Covey (Anna Cathcart) continued to exceed the expectations of her role. Kitty’s character brings great joy to the film with her comedic remarks and sassy comebacks. Kitty’s character is in the stage of growing up and becoming a teenager, so it was entertaining to watch not only Lara Jean begin to mature and take on a new chapter in life, but also to see Kitty start to do so as well. 

The whole film was centered around the idea of changes. The biggest change of the film had to be Lara Jean’s decision to follow her dreams, which went against her college plan with Peter. The couple planned to go to Stanford together, but Lara Jean was rejected. When finding out that Lara Jean was accepted into Berkley, the two decided Lara Jean would transfer to Stanford after her freshman year, since the two schools were not drastically far apart. However, Lara Jean and Peter’s senior class took a trip to New York City. It was on this trip that Lara Jean fell in love with the Big Apple. She knew in her heart that the city was the right place for her, and felt she belonged even more after getting accepted into NYU. Lara Jean’s choosing of NYU ultimately led to a temporary breakup between her and Peter, but she learned a valuable lesson: sometimes you have to put yourself first, as you may regret missing out on your dreams down the road.

Speaking of changes, the Covey girls officially have a stepmother! Dr. Covey (John Corbett) and his neighbor, Trina Rothschild (Sarayu Blue), began their adorable romance in the second film. Their relationship is taken to the next level in To All The Boys: Always and Forever when Dr. Covey proposes, and to no surprise, Trina accepts. The wedding was the picture-perfect Covey wedding: full of family, an aesthetic set-up, dancing, and of course, love. That love aspect was not just between Trina and Dr. Covey, as the night of the wedding happens to be the night that Lara Jean and Peter get back together, confident that their love for each other will beat their far college distances.

The film also touches upon more mature topics compared to the previous films. In the film, the audience meets Peter’s father, Mr. Kavinsky (Henry Thomas), for the first time. Peter still resents his father for leaving his family, and starting a new life with another woman. When his father tries to set up a day to grab a meal with Peter and catch up, Peter is overcome with emotions. He vents to Lara Jean, explaining how his father has always made him feel like a second choice. By adding this portion, the film goes against the media’s glamorization of perfect family relationships, demonstrating that life is not always like movies. This portion of the film was not only mature, but comforting for those in the audience who face similar struggles to Peter.

One of the best parts of the film was the soundtrack. Many of the songs were moving and heartwarming, like Peter and Lara Jean’s relationship anthem, “Beginning Middle End” by Leah Nobel. Another song that fit perfectly into the film was Ashe’s “The Same.” This song is used in two contrasting scenes: a romantic scene between Lara Jean and Peter, which unfortunately goes south and leads into their breakup. The two halves of the song have melodies and lyrics that are practically the same, but the chords are different, to go along with the different moods of the two back-to-back scenes. Songs like these added much more emotion to the film, and really played on the audience’s heartstrings.

Whether you are a To All The Boys fan or not, it is undeniable that this film is absolutely adorable. While neither the second or third film will ever beat the first one, there was still no better way to end such an iconic trilogy. So, here’s to the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before movie series, always and forever in the fan’s hearts.