Prom Pact 2023

As the countdown to prom commences, high school senior Mandy Yang (Mandy Yang) finds herself at a crossroads. Her long-held dream of attending Harvard University hangs precariously in the balance, much to the chagrin of her well-meaning yet exasperated school counselor, Ms. Chen. Meanwhile, her trusted friend Ben Plunkett, affectionately known as “No Nuts” Plunkett due to a childhood peanut allergy mishap, is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming 80s-themed prom extravaganza. In stark contrast, Mandy remains skeptical of the event’s appeal, viewing it as yet another tiresome high school ritual, especially since it promises to be attended by the very people she deems “Everests” - those who have reached the pinnacle of their academic and social peak.

As fate would have it, Mandy’s application to Harvard is put on hold, prompting her to seek guidance from Ms. Chen. The counselor’s words of wisdom echo with a familiar refrain: recall the school’s most popular student, Graham Lansing, whose father, Senator Lansing, is a Harvard alumnus. Mandy confides in Ben about her plan to ingratiate herself with Graham, hoping to leverage his connections to secure a spot at Harvard. With the help of their friends Charles and Zenobia, she uncovers Graham’s struggling grades in psychology, sees an opportunity, and offers to tutor him. Though Graham is initially wary, sensing that Mandy might be angling for something more, he ultimately agrees to accept her guidance.

As Mandy expertly navigates her way through Graham’s academic challenges, teaching him the intricacies of basketball in return, their bond grows stronger. She learns that Graham is under intense pressure from his father to excel and performs philanthropic acts on the side. This newfound understanding earns Mandy an invitation to visit Graham at his home, where she meets his mother, who graciously promises to facilitate a meeting with her husband at a forthcoming dinner party.

Meanwhile, Ben’s world is turned upside down as he begins to neglect his usual hangouts with Mandy in favor of new experiences. A chance encounter with LaToya Reynolds, the object of his affections, leads him to discover that they share a deep appreciation for various pursuits.

As the fates of Mandy and Ben continue to unfold, a critical juncture arrives with Ben’s impending birthday celebration on the same evening as Mandy’s dinner party. With the clock ticking, Mandy skillfully convinces Ben to extend an invitation to LaToya, who enthusiastically accepts, and together they share a magical night. Amidst the revelry, Mandy is struck by a sudden realization - her heart has irreversibly fallen for Graham, leading to a tender moment of mutual affection.

The evening’s festivities are short-lived, however, as Mandy is confronted with harsh truths upon encountering Senator Lansing. Her growing sentiment for Graham prompts her to decline the prestigious Harvard offer, only to be jolted once more by overhearing whispers about his brothers’ plan to invite another girl while keeping Mandy on the periphery. The sting of rejection sends her fleeing the party in tears, where she finds solace in Ben’s comforting presence.

As the dust settles, Mandy and Ben embark on a new chapter, with the promise of attending prom together serving as a beacon of hope. The following day at school, Mandy’s resolve is unwavering in her decision to distance herself from Graham, while Ben attempts to bridge the gap between himself and an still-irritated LaToya.

LaToya eventually forgives Ben on one condition - that they attend prom together. Meanwhile, inside the hallowed halls of their school, Graham makes a grand romantic gesture, revealing his true intentions with Mandy. Despite being initially oblivious to the ploy, she ultimately accepts his invitation. As the two meet outside, Mandy is taken aback by Ben’s revelation that he has turned down LaToya’s request, sparking a heated confrontation that culminates in the release of a damning video.

The viral footage finds its way to Graham, who responds by providing Mandy with a letter and subsequently ends their relationship. As the fallout from this betrayal spreads like wildfire, Mandy becomes an outcast among her peers. In a poignant moment of introspection, she confesses to Ms. Chen that she had never intended to submit the letter in the first place. This newfound clarity allows her to relinquish her Harvard aspirations and focus on more meaningful pursuits.

In a surprising turn of events, Mandy extends an olive branch to Ben, inviting him to prom as a gesture of goodwill. As they prepare for the evening’s festivities, Mandy seeks to make amends by indulging in their customary pre-prom rituals, ultimately finding solace and closure in her rekindled bond with Ben.

As the sun sets on prom night, Mandy and her friends arrive at the venue, only to discover that they’re among the few who have genuinely embraced the decade’s iconic fashion sensibilities. Amidst the sea of modern attire, Mandy awkwardly navigates the event, avoiding Graham as the prom queen and king are announced - a duo comprising LaToya and Ben, the latter having received a boost from Ms. Chen. Unbeknownst to all, Ben seizes the moment to confess his love to LaToya, accepting the crown with an air of triumph. With her new classmates’ encouragement, Mandy is persuaded to recheck her Harvard status, only to be stunned by the news that she’s been accepted - a feat attributed to Ms. Chen’s surprise letter of recommendation.

As graduation day approaches, Mandy takes center stage as Salutatorian, delivering an impassioned speech inspired by her experiences with Graham, showcasing her genuine appreciation for their time together. Following the ceremony, Mandy and Ben part ways, promising to reconnect in the future, now that Ben has secured LaToya’s affection. Meanwhile, Mandy shares a poignant moment with Graham, who reveals that he’ll be attending UT as per his father’s expectations. Their amicable separation marks the end of an era.

Fast forward to Harvard, where Mandy’s academic pursuits are interrupted by a chance encounter with Graham - a serendipitous meeting that reveals he has opted against UT and instead chosen to take a year off to pursue inner-city non-profit work. As they reconnect, their mutual affection reignites, culminating in a tender kiss that rekindles their relationship.