Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Two teens facing personal struggles form a powerful bond as they embark on a cathartic journey chronicling the wonders of Indiana.
All the Bright Places is a competent YA adaptation that handles heavy themes like depression, PTSD, and suicide with sincerity. The central romance is emotionally engaging thanks to the chemistry between Elle Fanning and Justice Smith, though the plot follows fairly familiar young-adult coming-of-age beats. The cinematography is pleasant but unremarkable, capturing Indiana's landscapes adequately without distinctive visual flair. Novelty is limited — the film treads well-worn ground for the genre, echoing films like The Fault in Our Stars and Five Feet Apart without carving out a uniquely singular voice. The ending is emotionally affecting and handled with some sensitivity, though it may feel abrupt to those unfamiliar with the source material.