Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between Review: An run-of-the-mill teen romance with a predictable ending

2.5/5

Story: Two high school seniors begin their relationship with a breakup pact after 10 months. But will the breakup be easy?

Review: Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between is a teen romance in reverse. Here a breakup pact is drawn even before the beginning of the romance and the rest of the plot delves into the grand breakup plan and whatever happened in between. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Jennifer E Smith, director Michael Lewen’s debut venture Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between, dives into the adolescent world where they go through emotional upheavals

High school seniors Clare (Talia Ryder) and Aidan (Jordan Fisher) meet each other at a house party where Aidan is performing a rendition of Twist and Shout. Clare has just moved into the town after living in three states and studying in six schools and is wary of getting involved in a relationship after witnessing the failed marriage of her parents who were high-school sweethearts. She is clear that she doesn't want to put in a situation where her mother falls in love with a different man, as they move cities.

So before the duo share their first kiss, they draw a breakup pact where no matter what happens, they will bid adieu to each other after a span of ten months. Soon, the duo get along like a house on fire and eventually fall for each other, which we get to see in a quick montage. Their families, too, are welcoming of each other and are supportive of their children's choices. The rest of the film revolves around the grand breakup day. Will the breakup be as easy as they thought it would be? Or will it not go as planned?

The film is divided into three portions - the beginning of the romance, breakup and what happened during the ten months. The meeting is easy and breezy, but the film soon loses the flow and becomes a hodgepodge of a plot, moving forward and backward, too many times. Much of the plot revolves around the grand breakup day and we know that things are not going to be as predicted, right from the outset. And as expected, too many unanticipated bottlenecks come in their way, including the doubts about their feelings for each other. Their friends, Stella (Ayo Edebiri) and Scotty (Nico Hiraga) know it better. Also throw in some school crashing, an injury that lands them in hospital, the breakday seems to look like a complete mess. Or will it be?

Talia Ryder and Jordan Fisher pull off decent performances as confused strangers who are trying to come to terms with the feelings of their heart. But for anyone watching Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between - romantics or cynics, or those who have seen quite a few romantic films, it is quite obvious where the climax would be heading to and that there would be a hurdle in implementing their grand plan. The film may appeal to teenagers, but for anyone above the age bracket, the plot is way too predictable. Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between, however, has some interesting soundtracks that complement the scenes and keep the rhythm and plot going.