This is how this movie begins, with Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga introducing the viewer to their long-lasting friendship with each other, and introducing their partners as well. I initially watched the movie for my favorite podcaster Caleb Hearon, who plays a side character named Palmer, the stereotypical gay friend who is back from Paris for the holidays. His character was my favorite and made me fall in love with Caleb Hearon all over again. Something I felt especially authentic was not only the characters’ friendship but the co-stars’ offset, Hearon even had Hiraga and Kiernan on his podcast to discuss their journey to being actors, and some other fun miscellaneous topics.

 This movie surprised me with witty commentary, and typical Gen-Z language that made it feel new and relevant. This story explores the platonic relationship between Shipka and Hiraga’s characters Jamie and Ben and the conflict of wanting to break up with their partners but not knowing how. 

The lesson about forcing relationships for the sake of it is the basis for the dramatic shift in narrative towards the end of the film. I was a bit confused as to why the writers pushed them together just to show that they shouldn’t be and have a platonic relationship, it made the dialogue seem forced, unlike the beginning of the movie where it felt like a genuine close relationship. The movie overall was a fun non-rom-com and captured the feeling of moving on to college while still wanting to hold on to the life you had whether that’s material things or the vibe of your life.