This summer, Netflix released Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, a romantic film adaptation of Jennifer E. Smith’s 2015 novel of the same name, published by Little, Brown. The story centers on a couple, Aiden and Clare, who are about to part ways as they prepare to leave for different colleges. Before their separation, they agree on a pact to break up peacefully. But on the last night together, they revisit the moments that shaped their relationship, exploring meaningful places and confronting the difficult decision of whether to follow through with their plan or try to stay together.
The film was penned by writers Amy Reed (Diary of a Future President) and Ben York Jones (Everything Sucks!), and directed by Michael Lewen, known for The King of Staten Island. It was produced by Matt Kaplan, who also produced the popular To All the Boys series. Fans of that series might recognize Jordan Fisher, who plays Aiden in this film. He stars alongside Talia Ryder as Clare, with supporting roles by Ayo Edebiri, Nico Hiraga, Jennifer Robertson, Julia Benson, and Patrick Sabongui.
Jennifer E. Smith’s novel was first optioned for a film in 2014, but the project took eight years to come to fruition, switching hands among studios before landing with ACE Entertainment. Smith shared with Publishers Weekly that seeing the first cut of the movie was surreal—witnessing a story she once imagined alone become a fully realized film was thrilling.
Executive producer Audrey Bendix, who collaborated closely with the creative team, helped shape the script and casting and worked to ensure the movie’s visual tone matched the story’s spirit. She emphasized ACE Entertainment’s commitment to involving authors in the adaptation process, valuing Smith’s input to honor the book’s essence despite the inevitable changes that come with turning a novel into a film.
Smith herself was actively involved throughout production, reading script drafts, attending filming, and viewing various edits. She expressed satisfaction that the movie retained the heart and themes of her book, capturing the spirit of the original story. Despite some differences—for example, the film features a picturesque pizza restaurant on a floating dock, replacing the book’s dive-y pizza joint—the emotional core remains intact.
Smith explained that her books often focus on poignant moments of change—those pivotal “hinge” days when life shifts dramatically between what was and what will be. The film effectively conveys this bittersweet intersection of endings and beginnings, which is central to Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between.
The mutual respect between Smith and producer Bendix is clear, with Bendix praising Smith’s talent for writing romantic comedies and expressing hope to continue adapting her work. Fans of Smith’s writing have more to look forward to as her novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is also slated for a Netflix adaptation, and Smith is working on a script adaptation of Field Notes on Love with Lauren Graham, which will feature Jordan Fisher as well.
Smith hopes viewers of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between will connect with its message about embracing life’s transitional moments without fear. While she enjoys exploring new creative avenues, she remains most passionate about writing novels, appreciating the chance to do what she loves.
