Never Been Kissed

Never Been Kissed is a 1999 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, directed by Raja Gosnell, and starring Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, and Michael Vartan. The movie delves into the story of Josie Geller, a clumsy and awkward junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times who must navigate adolescence once more. As a seasoned journalist, Josie is tasked with researching contemporary teenage culture. Her editor assigns her to investigate the high school scene, where she can immerse herself in the world of teenagers and uncover the secrets that drive them. In order to fit in seamlessly, Josie must attend her former high school and create the illusion that she is a new student navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence. Josie's decision to infiltrate the school is largely influenced by her brother Rob, a high school teacher who helps her devise a plan to pose as a student. Rob becomes her point of contact and confidant throughout the process, providing her with advice and emotional support as she tries to navigate the complexities of high school relationships. Upon arriving at the school, Josie quickly discovers that she has forgotten how to behave as a teenager. Her innocence and wide-eyed wonder make her stand out from the rest, and she struggles to conceal her 25-year-old identity from her peers. Despite initial hiccups, Josie eventually gains the trust of the school's most popular clique, known as the seniors, with whom she becomes fast friends. However, Josie's cover is put to the test when she starts to develop feelings for her English teacher, Sam Coulson. As she gets to know Sam, a charming and intelligent educator with a passion for poetry, Josie finds herself torn between her professional obligations and her blossoming romance with him. Sam becomes oblivious to Josie's true identity and treats her like any other student, leading to a series of awkward misunderstandings that threaten to expose her cover. As Josie navigates her relationships with Sam and her new high school friends, she also grapples with her own failed love life. Her experiences with men in the past have left her emotionally scarred, and she struggles to open herself up to new relationships. Despite her fear of rejection, Josie finds herself drawn to Sam, who represents a chance at redemption and happiness. The chemistry between Josie and Sam is undeniable, and their relationship develops at a gentle pace. As they bond over their love of poetry and literature, Josie begins to see the world through Sam's eyes, revealing a more compassionate and empathetic side to her character. Conversely, Sam's patient and understanding nature helps Josie to confront her emotional baggage and confront her fears. Through Josie's romance with Sam, the film explores the complexities of adult identity and the challenges of navigating love in the late 20s and early 30s. The movie also delves into the themes of self-discovery and personal growth, as Josie learns to reconcile her adult identity with her inner child. In the climactic final act, Josie's cover is finally blown, and she is forced to confront the consequences of her deception. However, her honesty about her true identity and her feelings for Sam lead to a heartwarming conclusion, where the two share a tender kiss on the school steps. The film ends on a poignant note, emphasizing the power of love and relationships to transform and redeem us. Never Been Kissed is a charming and insightful film that explores the complexities of love, identity, and belonging. Through Josie's journey, the movie provides a nuanced portrayal of adolescence and the challenges of navigating relationships as an adult. With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heartwarming romance, the film has become a beloved cult classic of the 1990s.