Watch Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between is a teen romantic drama film that unfolded on the screens in 2022. Directed by Michael Lewen, the appealing film is an adaptation of the eponymous YA novel by Jennifer E. Smith. Talia Ryder and Jordan Fisher take the lead roles as Clare and Aidan, two high school graduates navigating the complex web of teenage love and the looming separation that college imposes on their relationship.

The narrative takes us on a whirlwind of emotions experienced by two young people who are perched on the edge of a major life transition. The film is uniquely structured around the pivotal moment of saying goodbye, which Clare and Aidan had agreed to since the inception of their romantic journey. They pinky-promise to enjoy their relationship with no strings attached and to amicably go their separate ways when summer ends. The decision is an attempt to avoid the inevitable heartbreak and complications that long-distance relationships often face, especially when two people are about to dive into the vastly different world of college life.

Jordan Fisher, who viewers might recognize from his previous roles in the musical realm as well as other teen romance narratives, plays Aidan with an infectious charm and a heartfelt vulnerability. He embodies the role of a young man who's invested in squeezing every last drop of joy out of the moments he has left with Clare, portrayed by breakout star Talia Ryder. Ryder's portrayal of Clare captures the essence of a young woman who's both excited about what lies ahead but also wracked with the poignant reality of having to leave a piece of her heart behind.

The supporting cast complements the cinematic piece beautifully, with standout performances that enrich the tapestry of teenage life and love. Ayo Edebiri adds an additional layer to the coming-of-age story, bringing warmth and humor to the tale, and portraying one of the many faces of young adulthood with precision and relatability.

One of the strengths of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between lies in its relatable portrayal of young love, portraying with acuity the thrilling highs and heartrending lows of first love's intensity and the fear of its loss. It is a nuanced exploration of the choice to dive deeply into the now, even if the future may hold tearful farewells. The film does not shy away from the bittersweet fact that life often demands such goodbyes as a rite of passage, offering moments that resonate with anyone who has had to part ways with someone they care about.

The story unfolds over the course of a single day, Aidan and Clare's last day together. It's a cinematic countdown, a series of vignettes comprised of significant places and moments that have defined their relationship. These episodes are designed to bring a sense of closure, to help them reminisce and reassure themselves that ending the relationship is the right decision. Through these vignettes, the narrative delves into the couple's history without a linear chronology, allowing viewers to piece together the intricate puzzle of their shared story and to understand the depth of their connection and the complexity of their emotions.

Visually, the movie captures the transitional essence of teenage years, with elements of both nostalgia and excitement about the unknown future. The backdrop of the film is an unnamed town at the end of summer, embodying a timeless quality that many films in the genre strive for and few achieve. The director employs a soft, warm palette capturing the essence of late summer – the golden hour glow that seems both an echo of the past and a beacon for the future.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between reaches beyond the typical boundaries of teenage romance to ask big questions about choice, destiny, and the human heart's capacity for change. The soundtrack and score weave together contemporary tracks with the narrative to evoke emotion and complement the story's tone. Each song serves as a hallmark for the young couple's significant moments, beautifully underscoring their journey.

At its core, the film is an ode to the universal experience of first love – how it shapes us, defines us, and often, against our will, defines our path forward in life. It's a film that doesn't just settle for easy answers. Instead, it invites the audience to reflect on their own choices and the nature of the relationships that have impacted them. It's a cinematic reminder of the fragility of love, the inevitability of change, and the beauty found within both.

Overall, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between is a poignant exploration of young love confronted with impending separation, a familiar tale infused with fresh energy by its lead performances and its thoughtful treatment of universal emotional experiences. It is a film that will likely resonate with a wide audience, particularly those who are or have ever been on the cusp of adulthood, teetering between the safe familiarity of youth and the exhilarating unknown of the future.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between is a 2022 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1 and a MetaScore of 54.