Blame! 2017

Abigail begins her journey in the film with a sense of dread about returning to high school, specifically a place ominously referred to as “MHS.” Her reluctance prompts a meeting with her parents and Ms. Cohen, who insists that Abigail should reintegrate into her daily routine without delay. With a collection of books in her room, notably “Sybil,” it’s clear that Abigail is struggling with her reality.

Meanwhile, we meet Melissa, a cheerleader flaunting an eye-catching look that includes a heavy makeup palette and an eclectic hair color scheme. She embodies rebellion, often accompanied by rap beats that fuel her wild spirit. Her guardian, Robert, is frustrated with her reluctance to get out of bed and makes it clear she needs to dress appropriately for school, despite her criticisms. At school, she sheds her “proper” outfit for something far more scandalous, garnering the approval of her friends, Sophie and Ellie. However, the trio’s playfulness quickly turns cruel when they mock Abigail, referring to her mockingly as “Psycho Sybil,” especially due to her noticeable limp.

In Mrs. Howell’s class, Abigail finds solace in discussing her collection of glass animals, clutching a unicorn figurine, while Mrs. Howell herself is in the throes of pregnancy. Moments later, among the library bookshelves, Eric displays interest in Abigail, asking for her number. Initially charming, he quickly undermines his appeal with a dismissive question about which of Abigail’s personalities he would be dating, laughing alongside friends TJ and another boy at her expense.

The plot thickens when substitute teacher Jeremy Woods steps in for Mrs. Howell, enthusiastic about staging “The Crucible” for the upcoming 2016 Drama Showcase rather than following the previous lesson plan. Despite time constraints, he challenges the students to impress him for a chance to perform in the auditorium. When he assigns roles, Abigail’s name stands out; as the character shares her name, he positions her to compete against Melissa, who believes Eric to be her boyfriend, igniting jealousy.

At home, Jeremy’s personal life intersects with his professional one; his partner Jennifer is pushy about his job prospects, discouraging him from prioritizing teaching. The tensions mount when Abigail engages with Jeremy during rehearsals, slowly embodying her character while controversies regarding their growing closeness begin to circulate.

As the days unfold, Melissa’s jealousy peaks, leading her to engage in questionable activities with Sophie and plot against Abigail. The mix of teenage drama intensifies when Abigail’s aggressive exchanges with Melissa lead to meltdowns, culminating in an escalated confrontation between the two. The essence of the classic work they are performing begins to bleed into reality as Abigail dons more provocative clothing, blurring the lines between her character and her real self.

The drama reaches its climax during the performance when Melissa tries to claim what she believes should be her role. When Abigail finally arrives, emotions erupt on stage, her anger resonating as she performs the part with an eerie authenticity.

Later, in a shocking turn of events, Melissa accuses Jeremy of inappropriate advances, spiraling into a dark narrative that unveils her true abuse from Robert. Amid confusion and chaos, Abigail finds herself waiting for Jeremy, who offers friendship and support during her trials.

As the film progresses, all these intricate connections develop into a gripping portrayal of high school life, where the overlaps of character portrayals, personal struggles, and unspoken truths are entwined, leaving a haunting and captivating reflection on identity and friendship.