This movie hits all the right notes. Entering freshman Melinda is "different" from last year. Her parents note it, her school mates note it, and many of them are hostile because of something that happened at the end of her 8th grade year. As the movie moves forward in present time, it also shows us via frequent flash backs what happened, gradually revealing all. We learn early that Melissa ended up calling 911, cops came over, there was lots of underage drinking, and many got in trouble. It is for this that many schoolmates are "former friends".
Kristen Stewart was 13 or 14 during filming and perfect for the part of Melinda Sordino. Michael Angarano, who was good in "Sky High" is good here as the classmate, David Petrakis, a rare sane voice that becomes her friend.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. The incident that got Melinda to call 911, and that traumatized her, was a rape by one of the popular boys. She told no one about it, having walked home while the police came that night. She held everything inside her, was joyless. When she finally got the courage to speak, she began to feel better. All her classmates eventually found out the truth of what happened. She was helped and motivated by her art teacher, played well by Steve Zahn. The movie ends with Melinda riding home with her mother, and beginning to tell her mother everything. Presumably, the boy got into trouble but the movie does not move in that direction, instead focusing on the girl's recovery.
Kristen Stewart was 13 or 14 during filming and perfect for the part of Melinda Sordino. Michael Angarano, who was good in "Sky High" is good here as the classmate, David Petrakis, a rare sane voice that becomes her friend.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. The incident that got Melinda to call 911, and that traumatized her, was a rape by one of the popular boys. She told no one about it, having walked home while the police came that night. She held everything inside her, was joyless. When she finally got the courage to speak, she began to feel better. All her classmates eventually found out the truth of what happened. She was helped and motivated by her art teacher, played well by Steve Zahn. The movie ends with Melinda riding home with her mother, and beginning to tell her mother everything. Presumably, the boy got into trouble but the movie does not move in that direction, instead focusing on the girl's recovery.