Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between is a 2022 romantic coming-of-age film directed by Michael Lewen, in his directorial debut, and features a young and talented cast including Jordan Fisher, Talia Ryder, and Ayo Edebiri. The movie is based on the young adult novel of the same name by author Jennifer E. Smith. It offers a fresh take on teenage romance by exploring the balance of embracing the moment and the uncertainty of what the future holds.

The film's story is centered around Clare (played by Talia Ryder) and Aidan (played by Jordan Fisher), two high school sweethearts. As with many young couples, Clare and Aidan must face the reality of their impending separation when they head off to college. They're poised on the precipice of a major life change, each planning to attend different universities that will put a significant geographical distance between them.

Unlike many teenage romances that revel in the thrill of first love and the intensity of youthful passions, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between takes a more pragmatic approach to this young couple’s relationship. Clare and Aidan, aware that long-distance relationships often falter, make a pact at the start of their romance. This agreement? That they would enjoy their time together with no strings attached, and come the end of summer, right before college commences, they would break up amicably.

The narrative structure of the film is engaging as it picks up at the end of this agreed-upon timeline. It follows the pair on their last date, which is laced with a combination of nostalgia, sweetness, and heartache. Throughout this one evening, they recount their relationship highs and lows, leading the audience through a series of flashbacks that show how their relationship has evolved. This date is meant to be a celebration of their time together and a final goodbye before they step into the next chapters of their lives separately.

A significant part of the movie’s charm lies in the performances of its leads. Jordan Fisher, who audiences might recognize from his roles in projects like "To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You," exudes charisma and makes coming-of-age angst feel genuine. Talia Ryder delivers a compelling performance as Clare, embodying the conflict between holding on and letting go, as well as the sentiment and pragmatism of her character.

The supporting cast, including Ayo Edebiri who adds layers of humor and depth to the story, also contributes to the appeal of the film. The characters surrounding Clare and Aidan broaden the story’s perspective on young love, loyalty, and personal growth, with their own subplots adding texture to the central narrative.

While the film deals with a lot of anticipated emotional turmoil, it manages to stay grounded, shying away from melodrama. It champions honest communication, self-awareness, and the value of cherishing memories without being imprisoned by them. "Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between" constantly tugs at the question: Is it better to have loved and let go, or never to have loved at all?

The aesthetic of the film matches its narrative tone, with cinematography that captures the uncertain glow of twilight – delicate yet vivid and full of potential. The soundtrack punctuates the story with contemporary beats and nostalgic melodies, tantamount to the highs and lows of first love.

Director Michael Lewen crafts a film that can resonate with anyone who has experienced young love or is about to step into a new life stage. The focus is not only the romance but also the inherent self-discovery that comes with pivotal shifts in our lives. The audience is invited to ruminate on their own goodbyes and everything that comes before and after those moments.

Viewers looking for a heartfelt examination of a teenage relationship at a critical juncture will find "Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between" a poignant watch. The movie doesn’t just focus on the fairytale aspect of romance but rather treats its characters and their decisions with a mature perspective. It questions the concept of forever in the context of the impermanent and ever-changing phase of adolescence.

In essence, the film stands out for its reflective approach to the oft-told story of high school romance. It offers layers of emotion and thought, proving that even a predetermined goodbye can be as bittersweet and meaningful as the relationship it concludes. The title sums up the film's trajectory perfectly, encapsulating the hellos, goodbyes, and the myriad of defining moments in between.