M.F.A. 2017

In a series of events that would unravel the very fabric of justice, Luke Owen (a visual arts MFA student at Balboa University) extends an invitation to his introverted classmate Noelle to a party at his residence. As they find themselves alone in Luke’s bedroom, their shared moment of intimacy rapidly turns into a brutal act of aggression as Luke assaults Noelle.

Feeling disheartened and trapped by the university’s silence and victim-blaming attitudes, Noelle confides in campus psychotherapist Melinda Sanders, only to be met with accusatory inquiries about her drinking habits and whether she explicitly uttered the words “no”. Undeterred, Noelle confronts Luke about his heinous actions, leading to a physical altercation that ultimately results in Luke’s death.

Detective Kennedy takes on the case, and after interviewing Noelle, who was the last person to have contact with Luke, she is eventually cleared. However, it becomes evident that Noelle is still grappling with the trauma inflicted upon her by Luke’s actions.

As she delves deeper into her own personal demons, Noelle stumbles upon an online article detailing the acquittal of Kappa Phi fraternity brothers Mason Fischer, Jeremiah Marx, and Conor McGingley on charges of sexual assault. The article is accompanied by a disturbing video showcasing three men gang-raping a drunken girl at a party.

Compelled to take action, Noelle seeks out Lindsey Shaw, the victim in question, with the intention of using her story as the focal point for her new thesis project. This newfound sense of purpose leads Noelle to connect with a rape prevention peer group on campus, but she quickly becomes disillusioned by their focus on defensive measures and online activism rather than tackling the root cause of the issue.

Seething with anger and resentment, Noelle decides to take matters into her own hands. Under the guise of seduction, she drugs Mason’s drink at a Kappa Phi party and subsequently strangles him to death. Detective Kennedy is once again called in to investigate this new murder, and the connection between this crime and the earlier acquittal becomes increasingly apparent.

As Noelle’s art takes on a bold and provocative tone, her classmates including Shane and Professor Rudd begin to take notice of her newfound confidence and artistic expression. However, little do they know that Noelle is far from done.

Noelle returns to the frat house, where she brutally strangles Jeremiah in the bathroom using his own belt. Detective Kennedy discovers the body and begins questioning the remaining Kappa Phi members about Mason’s death. Meanwhile, Noelle tracks down Conor to the stadium locker room, where a violent struggle ensues before she bludgeons him to death with a hammer.

Throughout this harrowing journey of violence and retribution, Noelle’s artwork becomes increasingly abstract and emotionally charged, reflecting her own inner turmoil and unrelenting quest for justice.

As the pizza night unfolded, Noelle and Shane’s lips touched, but the tender moment was short-lived. Noelle’s hesitation stemmed from a lingering unease, reminiscent of her previous experience with Luke. Her plea for Shane to leave only underscored the fragility of their connection. Meanwhile, Noelle’s roommate Skye was grappling with demons of her own, as evidenced by the tears and self-inflicted wounds that marred her bathroom sanctuary.

Noelle’s curiosity got the better of her as she delved into Skye’s past, unearthing a trail of trauma that led back to Calvin Reeves, a name that sent shivers down her spine. Her investigation revealed a web of deceit, with campus police and psychotherapist Melinda Sanders complicit in covering up the truth. Noelle confronted Melinda, issuing an ultimatum: either she voluntarily resign or face consequences.

Noelle’s quest for justice next led her to Calvin himself, whom she apprehended using a stun gun and held captive on the basketball court. The ensuing chaos prompted her to use scissors to silence Calvin, who was subsequently hospitalized. As Detective Kennedy pieced together the puzzle, Noelle became the linchpin connecting Skye’s rapist to the fraternity trio.

Skye, however, remained tight-lipped in the face of Detective Kennedy’s questioning, her trust shattered by Noelle’s earlier actions. Suspicion turned to outrage as Skye discovered evidence of Noelle’s attack on Calvin, prompting a confrontation that ended with Noelle promising to surrender to authorities.

The morning after brought devastation, as Noelle found a suicide note from Skye confessing to the campus murders and claiming they were intended to clear her name. Noelle was left reeling, her world shattered by Skye’s tragic end. Detective Kennedy’s interrogation of Noelle was marked by cryptic answers, as she seemed to justify the killings.

As graduation day arrived, Noelle delivered a powerful speech that belied her turmoil. Later, Detective Kennedy and the police took Noelle into custody, bringing an abrupt close to her tumultuous journey.