Blame! 2017

As the narrative unfolds, Abigail’s reluctance to return to high school is palpable, as she lies in bed, surrounded by books like “Sybil”, a stark reminder of her emotional turmoil. The camera pans across her bedroom, revealing a space that reflects her inner world - a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred. Meanwhile, Ms. Cohen, a no-nonsense authority figure, urges Abigail’s parents to encourage their daughter to resume her normal routine as soon as possible, leaving little room for negotiation.

In a stark contrast, Melissa bursts into view, a whirlwind of rebellion and self-expression, her hair a kaleidoscope of unnatural hues, her makeup caked on like a badge of honor. Robert, the guardian who shares her living space, tries to rouse her from bed, warning her she’s running out of time to make it to school - but not before cautioning her against donning her favorite outfit. Later, when Robert receives an unexpected summons from the school, Melissa’s retort, “He’s not my father”, reveals a deep-seated insecurity.

As the scene shifts to the high school corridors, Melissa trades in her provocative attire for something more acceptable - but only to please the powers that be. Her interactions with friends Sophie and Ellie are warm and authentic, until they turn their attention to Abigail, tauntingly dubbing her “Psycho Sybil” due to her distinctive limp.

In Mrs. Howell’s class, Abigail opens up about her cherished collection of glass animals, cradling a unicorn as if it were a tangible manifestation of her inner world. The teacher, visibly pregnant, listens with a mix of empathy and curiosity.

Later, in the school library, Eric asks Abigail to share her phone number, his interest seeming genuine until he probes which “personality” she’ll be bringing on their hypothetical date - a question that sends him, TJ, and another classmate into a fit of laughter. The encounter leaves Abigail looking bewildered and hurt, her vulnerability momentarily exposed.

The day after Mrs. Howell’s sudden departure into labor, Jeremy Woods takes the reins in her class, armed with a lesson plan left behind. However, he has no intention of sticking to “The Glass Menagerie” and instead sets his sights on “The Crucible” for the 2016 Drama Showcase. With time constraints looming, Jeremy decides to divide the class into groups, pitting them against each other in a battle for the best performance. The stakes are high, as only the top performers will get to take center stage in the auditorium, leaving the rest of the play relegated to a classroom-only rendition.

Abigail’s tardiness earns her a gentle scolding from Jeremy, who initially sends her off to obtain a pass from the guidance office before revealing it was just a joke. When it comes time to assign major roles, Jeremy zeros in on Abigail for the part she already bears, pitting her against Melissa for the coveted role. Eric lands another significant part, one that will require romantic chemistry with his Abigail co-star – much to Melissa’s dismay, given her existing relationship with Eric.

Jeremy heads home to share some exciting news with Jennifer: a job opportunity tailor-made for him. The catch? He must meet with Michael to seal the deal, which Jeremy explains is a commitment he’s willing to fulfill in due time. However, Jennifer remains skeptical about Jeremy’s lack of ambition, deeming teaching a frivolous pursuit. She urges her husband to commit fully, suggesting his perpetual state of flux might stem from an underlying fear of settling down. As their evening comes to a close, the goodbye is surprisingly platonic.

Abigail spends some quality time in her room, surrounded by flickering candles and an air of foreboding that permeates the space. When the day arrives for the students to take on their assigned roles, Eric’s absence is conspicuous – or is it? As Jeremy reveals, two students are caught in a compromising position, leaving Melissa noticeably absent from the fray. With no alternative, Jeremy takes on the other role himself, channeling his college days. Abigail shines as she embodies her namesake character, earning praise and an invitation to join Jeremy in the auditorium for a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the performance. Later, posters advertising the showcase credit Abigail as assistant director, with Melissa serving as understudy – a role she may come to resent.

The curtain rises on a high school football game, where spirited cheerleaders lead the crowd in raucous cheers. Meanwhile, off-field tensions simmer as Melissa and Sophie conspire against Abigail over drinks and plotting. The drama unfolds further with scenes of girls indulging in vices - cigarettes, booze, or boys - their actions mirroring the tumultuous nature of their relationships.

The next day, Eric apologizes for his absence during rehearsals, requesting a private meeting with Abigail to work on their lines. His true intentions, however, remain shrouded in mystery as he fails to appear, leaving Abigail locked away in the auditorium by her peers. It is Jeremy, an unwitting hero, who stumbles upon Abigail and offers her a ride home amidst the downpour. Unbeknownst to Abigail, this chance encounter will mark the beginning of their clandestine romance.

As the days pass, Abigail’s persona undergoes a transformation, mirroring her character’s Puritanical attire with increasingly revealing clothing choices. Her on-stage rivalries with Melissa escalate into heated arguments, but it is Melissa who ultimately faces consequences for her behavior. Sophie, meanwhile, occasionally exhibits bullying tendencies, while Ellie becomes ostracized for refusing to conform.

Rehearsals continue in the auditorium, where Jeremy and Abigail grow closer as they rehearse their scenes. Their on-stage kisses take on a life of their own, prompting whispers about an illicit relationship spreading throughout the school. The drama intensifies when Jeremy reunites with Jennifer, his ex-girlfriend, who shares a passionate kiss that is watched by an observant Abigail.

The seeds of drama are sown in the chemistry lab, where Sophie apologizes to Ellie for her past transgressions and offers to study together ahead of the impending test. As they delve into their books, Sophie stumbles upon Ellie’s diary, revealing evidence of Jeremy and Abigail’s forbidden romance. This newfound knowledge emboldens Sophie to form an alliance with Melissa, who sets out to uncover more incriminating information about teachers and students engaging in illicit activities.

As the festive atmosphere of the homecoming event envelops the campus, a jarring note is struck by Melissa’s unconventional attire, which veers sharply from the more subdued outfits donned by her peers. Meanwhile, Sophie confides in Ellie about having breached the latter’s diary, revealing a troubling discovery: Jeremy and Abigail are entwined in a clandestine relationship that defies the boundaries of propriety. Ellie is torn between her loyalty to her friend and a sense of moral obligation, ultimately choosing to keep silent as Sophie’s words cut like a knife.

The drama unfolds further when Melissa confronts Jeremy in the auditorium, initiating an awkward and uninvited kiss that leaves him visibly uncomfortable. Her ire is then directed at Abigail, whom she accuses of having usurped her rightful place in the upcoming performance. As tensions escalate, Abigail’s absence on the night of the show creates a power vacuum that Melissa seizes upon, ultimately taking to the stage herself.

The unexpected turn of events is short-lived, however, as Abigail’s belated arrival sparks a maelstrom of emotions. It transpires that her anger stems from a deep-seated sense of betrayal by Jeremy, who has been leading her on under false pretenses. Meanwhile, Melissa finds herself at the center of a crisis when she visits Ms. Cohen’s office to report a disturbing incident.

The gravity of the situation is underscored as a law enforcement officer arrives to take her statement, prompting Melissa to recount a harrowing tale of emotional and psychological abuse perpetrated by Robert (though it soon becomes clear that Robert was the one being abused). As the truth begins to surface, Jeremy finds himself embroiled in a tender moment with Abigail, whose hurt and vulnerability are palpable. The scene is set for a dramatic confrontation as the two women, each bearing the scars of their respective ordeals, meet outside the school building.