Palo Alto 2014

Teddy (Jack Kilmer) and Fred (Nat Wolff) are two carefree stoner teens navigating the ups and downs of high school life. One day, during a soccer practice, April (Emma Roberts) finds herself the topic of conversation among her friends, who giggle about their coach, Mr. B (James Franco), having a crush on her. Mr. B takes a special interest in April, asking her to babysit his son, Michael, and also offering her a position as a striker for the team.

As the story unfolds, Teddy and Fred have a candid discussion about hypothetical scenarios involving drunk driving. This conversation foreshadows the chaos that will soon ensue. At a lively party, Teddy dares to invite April to the graveyard, where a romantic moment unfolds as they hold hands and April carves a heart into a tree. Their bond seems to deepen as they venture back to the party, where the atmosphere is filled with alcohol and excitement. However, things take a turn when Teddy steps outside and is met with jealousy as he witnesses April kissing Ivan (Andrew Lutheran).

The tension escalates further as Teddy finds himself in a precarious situation after a car accident, a result of reckless driving. He quickly blames Fred for putting the idea in his head. A police officer soon arrives at Teddy’s house to arrest him for driving under influence, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Meanwhile, April is feeling the repercussions of her own decisions. Sitting by the pool with her friends, Chrissy (Olivia Crocicchia) and Shauna (Claudia Levy), she learns about Teddy’s escapade with Emily (Zoe Levin), which intensifies her feelings of betrayal and anger. As Teddy finds himself facing the law, battling probation conditions that include community service at a local children’s library, April begins to wrestle with her feelings for Mr. B, who soon reveals his affections for her.

In a series of increasingly dramatic events, Teddy’s troubled road includes graffiti misadventures that result in further consequences. Meanwhile, April’s relationship with Mr. B becomes complicated as she grapples with her emotions and the implications of their growing intimacy.

In the midst of all this drama, the boys attempt to navigate their own relationship dynamics as Fred and Emily become more entangled. Even as Teddy and Fred continue their escapades, the narrative escalates with Fred’s inner conflict regarding his identity, which culminates in a gripping moment of vulnerability during a conversation about sexuality.

As April’s confusion about her feelings reaches a peak, she faces the stark reality of her choices. In a moment that feels both liberating and tumultuous, she loses her virginity to Mr. B, only to be met with uncertainty the following day when she discovers that Michael has another babysitter, raising questions about her relationship with Mr. B.

The story reaches its climax as Teddy expresses his deep feelings for April, while Fred’s chaotic antics and encounters with friends lead to further estrangement. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the journey these teens take is filled with laughter, heartache, and a search for identity, leaving audiences pondering the true meaning of love, friendship, and the challenges that come with growing up. Ultimately, as Teddy navigates the turbulent waters of high school life, April’s text brings a smile to his face, hinting at underlying connections that persist amid the chaos.