The Kissing Booth 3 culminates in Elle Evans making the difficult decision to attend the University of Southern California (USC) for film, prioritizing her own dreams over promises made to her best friend, Lee Flynn, or the expectations of her boyfriend, Noah Flynn. The film then jumps forward six years, showing Elle, Lee, and Noah reunited, hinting at a potential romantic reconciliation between Elle and Noah.
Decoding the Ending: Elle’s Choice and Future Prospects
The ending of The Kissing Booth 3 is deliberately open-ended, leaving the definitive futures of its key characters largely to the viewers’ imagination. While the film wraps up the summer before college, the bulk of the emotional weight is focused on Elle’s decision about which university to attend. Throughout the series, Elle has grappled with the conflicting desires to stay true to her lifelong friendship with Lee and to pursue her romantic relationship with Noah.
The first film saw Elle and Lee promising to attend the same university, Berkeley, upholding their childhood pact. However, Noah’s admission to Harvard in the second film created a significant strain, as Elle considered long-distance love. The Kissing Booth 3 amps up the tension when Elle receives acceptances to both Berkeley and Harvard, forcing her to choose between her best friend and her boyfriend.
Ultimately, after initially choosing Berkeley to keep her promise to Lee, Elle realizes that neither option aligns with her own aspirations. During a heated argument, she recognizes that choosing a university based on others’ desires will ultimately lead to unhappiness. Encouraged by her mother and the realization that she has her whole life ahead of her, Elle applies to USC’s film school and is accepted.
The six-year time jump reveals Elle as a successful video game designer who has cultivated her creative skills. We see Lee engaged to Rachel, and Noah, now having graduated from Harvard Law School, is considering job offers in Los Angeles. The final scene hints at a possible rekindling of Elle and Noah’s romance, as they spontaneously decide to ride bikes together, echoing their initial romantic connection from the first film.
The ending underscores the importance of self-discovery and prioritizing one’s own path, even when faced with difficult choices and conflicting loyalties. It suggests that while relationships are important, personal growth and the pursuit of individual dreams should be paramount.
Unpacking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: Elle’s University Decision: A Closer Look
FAQ 1: Why did Elle ultimately choose USC over Berkeley and Harvard?
Elle chose USC because it aligned with her passion for film and creative expression. She realized that attending either Berkeley or Harvard would be a decision based on pleasing others, rather than pursuing her own dreams. The realization dawned on her after significant conflict with Lee and a heart-to-heart conversation with her mother. It was about self-discovery more than anything else.
FAQ 2: What were the specific factors that influenced Elle’s decision?
Several factors influenced Elle’s decision. The most significant was her realization that she was living her life to please others. The pressure from Lee to uphold their childhood pact, the expectation of a long-distance relationship with Noah, and the discovery of her aptitude for video game design at summer camp all played crucial roles. She also valued independence above all else.
FAQ 3: How did Lee react to Elle’s decision to attend USC?
Initially, Lee was hurt and disappointed that Elle chose USC over Berkeley. He felt betrayed by her breaking their lifelong promise. However, after some time and reflection, he understood her reasoning and ultimately supported her decision. Their friendship did experience strain, emphasizing the emotional stakes involved.
H3: The Future of Elle and Noah
FAQ 4: Did Elle and Noah get back together after the six-year time jump?
The film doesn’t explicitly state whether Elle and Noah rekindled their romance. The ending leaves their future ambiguous, suggesting a strong possibility of them reconnecting romantically but not confirming it. The spontaneous bike ride signifies a return to their roots and a rekindling of their initial spark.
FAQ 5: What were the implications of Noah moving to Los Angeles?
Noah considering job offers in Los Angeles significantly increases the likelihood of him and Elle reconnecting. It suggests that both are open to revisiting their relationship. It also introduces the possibility of facing new challenges as they navigate adulthood and their respective careers.
FAQ 6: Was the long-distance relationship between Elle and Noah successful?
The film implies that the long-distance relationship between Elle and Noah ultimately ended. While they attempted to make it work, the demands of their individual lives and the physical distance created a significant strain. The relationship wasn’t necessarily a failure, but a necessary step in their personal growth.
H3: Lee and Rachel’s Relationship
FAQ 7: Are Lee and Rachel still together at the end of the movie?
Yes, Lee and Rachel are shown to be happily engaged at the end of the movie, six years later. Their relationship appears to be strong and enduring, demonstrating the strength and longevity of their connection.
FAQ 8: What challenges did Lee and Rachel face in their relationship throughout the movies?
Lee and Rachel’s relationship faced challenges primarily due to Lee’s close friendship with Elle and Rachel’s insecurity about their bond. Their ability to overcome these obstacles and maintain a healthy relationship underscores their commitment to each other. Communication and trust were vital for their relationship survival.
H3: Broader Themes and Interpretations
FAQ 9: What is the main message or theme of The Kissing Booth 3?
The main message of The Kissing Booth 3 is the importance of self-discovery, prioritizing personal growth, and making choices that align with one’s own dreams and aspirations. It emphasizes that sometimes, letting go of expectations and promises is necessary for individual happiness. It promotes the idea of self-love and personal empowerment.
FAQ 10: How does the movie address the challenges of growing up and making important life decisions?
The movie portrays the challenges of growing up by showcasing the characters grappling with complex decisions about their future, balancing friendships and relationships, and navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It highlights the pressures and anxieties associated with these milestones and the importance of embracing change.
FAQ 11: What role does the beach house play in the overall narrative?
The beach house serves as a symbolic representation of childhood memories, friendships, and the nostalgic bonds that connect Elle, Lee, and Noah. Its impending sale forces them to confront the end of an era and the need to move forward into new chapters of their lives. It represents a passing of time and a closing of a chapter.
FAQ 12: Was The Kissing Booth 3 intended to be the final installment in the series?
While there are no current plans for additional films or series, the ending of The Kissing Booth 3 leaves the door open for potential future stories. However, the open-ended nature of the conclusion suggests that the creators intended it to be a satisfying end to Elle, Lee, and Noah’s coming-of-age story. The future of the franchise remains unwritten and open to speculation.