Alibrandi
Alibrandi is Josephine's last name, it's her mother's maiden name and it's in the title of the movie to represent Josie's search for her place in the world while coming from a complicated background. She is looked down upon in her school because of her Italian heritage, and is struggling with her self-image. The end shows that Josie's found herself, accepted her place in her family and the world.
John Barton's soul
Josie finally gets close to her long time crush John Barton. They exchange heartfelt notes about themselves and Josie is over the roof by finally having John Barton's soul on a piece of paper.
The curse
Josie's grandmother lives with the belief that she and her daughter and consequently granddaughter live with a curse above their heads. It turns out that the curse is nothing but a lack of honesty with each other. Truth comes out at the end, the Alibrandi women break the silence and symbolically lift the curse.
Self-acceptance
The movie shows a journey of self-acceptance of a young woman who has to come to terms with everything life brings her way. The ending shows Josie finally being truly happy in being herself, and accepting herself as Christina's and Michael's daughter and Katia's granddaughter. She chooses to see her life as a blessing instead of a curse.
