XO, Kitty season 2 REVIEW: Anna Cathcart starrer is a messy, overly dramatic rom-com that will have you hooked from start to end

Film:
XO Kitty Season 2

Director: Jenny Han

Cast: Anna Cathcart, Min-yeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Regan Aliyah, Peter Thurnwald, Philippe Lee, Audrey Huynh

Runtime: 29 to 32 minutes per episode

Platform: Netflix

XO Kitty Season 2 Review

What Works

Anna Cathcart shines as Kitty, capturing her character’s appealing mix of chaos and relatability. Sang Heon Lee stands out as Minho, evolving from a self-absorbed playboy to a loyal friend, adding emotional depth to their dynamic. Minho’s surprise confession from Season 1 looms over this season, creating tension that is both a highlight and a source of ambiguity. Yuri’s romance with Juliana (Regan Aliyah) develops more organically, providing a grounded representation of LGBTQ+ relationships. Noah Centineo’s brief but impactful cameo as Peter Kavinsky serves as a nostalgic link to Kitty’s sister Lara Jean’s story, enhancing the show’s charm.

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What Doesn’t Work

Minyeong Choi as Dae feels underdeveloped and relegated to a secondary role despite his potential importance. The bisexual love triangle involving Kitty feels rushed, and the depth of her connection with Yuri doesn’t resonate as strongly as in the first season. The episodes are not of equal length ( 29 to 32 minutes). Yes, it becomes quite a mess when people within the same friend group fall in love.

Technical Analysis

Story

In the second semester at KISS, Kitty finds herself single for the first time in ages, eager for a fresh start—no more meddling, no more drama. She considers some casual dating but has bigger challenges ahead, including a mysterious letter from her mother’s past that propels her on an unexpected journey. New faces at KISS introduce change, and as secrets emerge, Kitty discovers that life, family, and love are more complicated than she ever imagined.

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Kitty Song Covey (played by Anna Cathcart) is no stranger to chaos. Remember, she’s the one who sent the letters her sister Lara Jean wrote to her crushes, igniting the events of the beloved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. It’s no surprise that chaos follows her to the Korean International School of Seoul (KISS), where she returns for her junior year after being expelled. Season 2 introduces a new love square, a fresh roommate, and deeper insights into her family heritage.

Kitty originally enrolled at KISS to connect with her late mother’s legacy and her Korean roots. As family secrets resurface, the season promises intriguing reunions and revelations.

Direction

Co-directed by Jenny Han, XO, Kitty Season 2 grapples with pacing issues. While it balances drama and romance well, the numerous plotlines can feel overwhelming within the eight-episode format. The show touches on various themes—romantic complications, family mysteries—without delving deeply enough into any single one.

However, it excels in moments of emotional intimacy, offering authentic explorations of Kitty’s heritage and her connection to her late mother. Season 2 delivers highlights, creating swoon-worthy moments from Kitty’s awkward confessions to poignant reconciliations. Minho’s vulnerability and Yuri’s evolving identity offer emotional resonance throughout.

The XO Kitty Season 2 Cast

Kitty’s journey in exploring her sexuality is depicted as relatable and well-paced, as she grapples with her feelings for both boys and girls throughout the series. This nuanced exploration resonates with viewers, making her experiences feel authentic and engaging. Initially introduced as a stereotypical “playboy,” Min Ho undergoes significant character development, revealing deeper emotional layers and establishing a genuine connection with Kitty. This evolution has been praised by reviewers, adding depth to his role in the story. The dynamic between Kitty and Yuri is frequently highlighted as a standout aspect of the show. We appreciate the nuanced portrayal of their friendship and the potential romantic tension that develops, showcasing a multifaceted relationship that adds richness to the narrative.

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The character development of Kitty Song Covey, portrayed by Anna Cathcart, is generally well-received, particularly as she navigates her bisexual awakening and the complexities of her family secrets. Her evolving relationships with Yuri (Gia Kim) and Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee) are significant highlights. However, some might point out that the show occasionally struggles with fully developing its supporting characters and can feel somewhat messy due to the numerous plotlines it presents.

Conclusion

The most significant challenge of Season 2 lies in its ambition, often sacrificing emotional arcs for a packed narrative. Kitty’s bisexual identity, which could have been a central theme, feels more like a plot device. Additionally, the unresolved tension between Kitty and Minho leaves viewers longing for closure, hinting at a setup for a possible third season rather than a satisfying resolution.

Overall, XO, Kitty Season 2 successfully delivers the messy and heartfelt teenage drama fans adore. While its narrative struggles with ambition, the show remains entertaining and heartfelt, thanks to its relatable characters and themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The series overall has a mom drama touch to it but we are hopeful that Season 3 will finally ship Min Ho and Kitty with more drama.

We hope our XO Kitty Season 2 review will help you decide if you want to watch the series.

Watch the trailer of XO Kitty Season 2 here:

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