We Are Your Friends

In the midst of the San Fernando Valley's pulsating EDM scene, Cole Carter, a 23-year-old DJ and former track star, is chasing his dream of becoming a major record producer. Despite being a college dropout, Cole's passion for music keeps him driven. He's joined by his friends Mason, an aspiring club runner, Ollie, an aspiring actor, and Squirrel, who possesses a remarkable aptitude for mathematics. The group bands together to canvas for a nightclub, with Mason's help allowing Cole to take the stage that night. It's there that he meets James Reed, a renowned DJ who was once a trailblazer in the industry. James invites Cole to a party, where they share a spliff containing Phencyclidine (PCP), leading Cole to experience a surreal and disorienting high. The next morning, Cole finds himself at James' opulent residence, surrounded by luxury and sophistication. He's introduced to Sophie, James' girlfriend and personal assistant, who drives him home and leaves an indelible mark on his psyche.

As the group's fortunes dwindle after their canvassing efforts, they seek employment with Paige Morrell, a real estate solutions firm that promises a more stable income. Meanwhile, James takes notice of Cole's talent and invites him to spin tracks at a house party. The performance impresses James, who sees tremendous potential in the young DJ. Mason, Ollie, and Squirrel make an appearance, but things take a turn when a partygoer insults Mason, leading to a physical confrontation that ultimately results in their forced departure from the gathering.

James is impressed by Cole's artistry and takes him under his wing, focusing on organic originality and increasing his performance schedule. As Cole's star begins to rise, he's invited to accompany Sophie to her college soirée, where it becomes clear that she dropped out of school due to the trauma of being sexually exploited. Cole stands up for Sophie, earning her gratitude and admiration for his compassion and artistry.

Later, Cole and his friends embark on a trip to Las Vegas for an electronic music festival, where he reunites with Sophie, who's abandoned by James. Sophie shares MDMA with Cole, and they leave the festival to explore the vibrant nightlife of the Las Vegas Strip, ultimately leading to a whirlwind one-night stand that leaves them both breathless.

As James (character) returns to Los Angeles, he presents Cole with an opportunity to open for him at the highly anticipated SummerFest music festival in Downtown LA. Graciously accepting the offer, Cole's spirits soar as he looks forward to sharing the stage with his friend and mentor. Meanwhile, Cole and Paige find themselves intertwined with Tanya Romero's tumultuous tale of foreclosure woes. As they navigate the complex web of property negotiations, Paige seizes the chance to purchase Tanya's home and subsequently rents it back to her at a significant profit. The unexpected windfall prompts a heated debate between Paige and Cole, but ultimately, Paige compensates Cole for his role in securing the deal.

As James' relationships with Cole and Sophie continue to unravel, he is forced to reevaluate their dynamics, leading him to sever ties with both. Amidst this turmoil, Squirrel's aspirations for professional growth lead him on a quest for new opportunities beyond the San Fernando Valley. With Mason serving as the catalyst, the friends come together to celebrate their collective futures by renting a house, where they can grow and thrive in their respective paths.

Tragedy strikes when Squirrel succumbs to an overdose following a night of revelry, leaving his friends reeling from the devastating loss. The aftermath prompts Ollie to confront the harsh reality that their dreams may be forever out of reach. Tensions escalate as Mason blames Ollie for Squirrel's demise, ultimately driving Ollie away from the group.

As Cole visits James, now consumed by his struggles with alcoholism, he bears the crushing news of Squirrel's passing and the possibility that it could have been prevented. James offers a sympathetic ear, sharing the revelation that Sophie has relocated to the San Fernando Valley and is working at a local coffee shop, where James later pays her a visit.

As Cole's feet pound the pavement during his morning jog, his senses come alive, and he begins to tune into the harmonious symphony of sounds surrounding him. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and distant hum of traffic serve as a sonic tapestry that inspires him to craft a unique soundscaping for his long-awaited track. With renewed creative fervor, Cole shares his vision with James, who graciously offers another opportunity for SummerFest, the annual music festival held outside the iconic American Apparel building in Los Angeles.

As the big day arrives, Cole takes the stage, and his infectious beats, infused with snippets of conversations with Sophie and Squirrel, captivate the audience. The crowd's energetic applause and James' beaming approval validate Cole's artistic endeavors, marking a triumphant conclusion to his musical journey.

Meanwhile, as the characters embark on their individual paths, Ollie prepares for a pivotal audition, Mason assumes his role as the nightclub's master of ceremonies, while Cole looks toward a brighter future, his spirits lifted by the possibility of nurturing a genuine connection with Sophie, who has since returned to academia. The film concludes on an optimistic note, as each character ventures into the unknown, their futures full of promise and possibility.

In a delightful post-credits coda, Tanya's front door opens to reveal a thoughtful gesture from Cole – a shoebox filled with his hard-earned savings, accumulated throughout the story. This small act of kindness serves as a poignant reminder of Cole's growth, as he begins to forge a new path in life.