Love Me Love Me
After her brother's death, June moves to Milan for a fresh start, finding comfort in Will, the perfect honor student at her new international school. But when his troubled best friend James-hiding a dangerous life in clandestine MMA fights-sparks a rivalry that quickly turns into irresistible attraction, June must choose between safety and a love that upends everything she thought she wanted.
Trailer
Review
In 'Love Me Love Me,' director Roger Kumble returns to the teen romance-drama with a familiar yet potent formula: a grieving girl, a perfect boy, and a dangerous alternative. The film follows June (Mia Jenkins), who relocates to Milan after a family tragedy, seeking solace in the structured world of an international school and the seemingly ideal Will (Pepe Barroso). The plot's engine is the arrival of James (Luca Melucci), Will's brooding best friend entangled in underground MMA, who presents June with a classic, visceral choice between safety and passion. Kumble directs with a confident hand, using Milan's elegant, sometimes gritty, backdrop not just as scenery but as a reflection of June's internal conflict—the polished piazzas versus the shadowy fight clubs. Mia Jenkins delivers a nuanced performance, effectively portraying June's vulnerability and burgeoning defiance. Luca Melucci brings a raw, physical intensity to James that makes the central attraction believable, though the script sometimes leans too heavily on his 'tortured soul' archetype. The love triangle dynamics are engaging, and the MMA sequences are shot with a gritty realism that contrasts sharply with the film's more polished school scenes, adding a necessary edge. At 99 minutes, the pacing is generally tight, though it stumbles in the final act. The cinematography captures both the romantic glow and the harsh fluorescent lights of James' secret world, while the soundtrack smartly underscores the emotional beats without overwhelming them.
Pros
- ✓Strong central performance by Mia Jenkins, who brings depth and authenticity to the role of a grieving young woman navigating new terrain.
- ✓Effective use of location, with Milan providing a visually striking and thematically relevant backdrop that enhances the story's contrasts.
- ✓Well-executed, visceral MMA fight sequences that add a layer of raw physical stakes and danger to the romantic drama.
- ✓Confident direction from Roger Kumble, who understands the genre's rhythms and delivers a visually cohesive and emotionally engaging narrative.
Cons
- ✗A somewhat predictable and formulaic plot structure that follows well-trodden paths of the 'good guy vs. bad boy' romance trope.
- ✗Underdeveloped supporting characters, particularly Will (Pepe Barroso), who often feels more like a plot device than a fully realized person.
- ✗A rushed third act that resolves key conflicts a bit too neatly, potentially undermining some of the film's established emotional complexity.
'Love Me Love Me' is a competently made and often engaging entry in the YA romance-drama genre. It succeeds largely on the strength of Mia Jenkins's performance and the compelling contrast between its two worlds—the pristine safety of international school life and the thrilling danger of the fight club. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel and its narrative beats will feel familiar to genre fans, it executes its formula with style and genuine emotional investment. The central love triangle generates sufficient heat, and the stakes feel real thanks to Jenkins's grounded portrayal of grief. It's a film that knows its audience and delivers the swoons, drama, and catharsis they seek. Viewers looking for a gritty, groundbreaking narrative might be left wanting, but those in the mood for a handsomely shot, well-acted story about choosing between the life you think you should want and the person who makes you feel truly alive will find plenty to enjoy. It's a solid 6.5—flawed but ultimately satisfying.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of young adult romance dramas, viewers who enjoy love triangle narratives, and audiences appreciative of films that blend emotional storytelling with a gritty subplot.
⭐ Standout Elements
The compelling juxtaposition of Milan's romantic elegance with the brutal, underground MMA world, and Mia Jenkins's performance, which anchors the film's emotional core with impressive subtlety and strength.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents solid filmmaking that deserves your attention.
