A Girl Like Her 2015
Directed by
Amy S. Weber
Made by
ParkSide Releasing
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of A Girl Like Her (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Jessica, portrayed by Lexi Ainsworth, is a troubled 15-year-old sophomore grappling with deep personal issues that lead her to a heartbreaking attempt to end her life by consuming a handful of pills from her mother’s medicine cabinet. When her mother discovers her unconscious, Jessica is urgently rushed to the hospital. Compounding this crisis is the fact that her high school has gained recognition for being among the top ten public schools in the nation, which leads the filmmaker Amy Gallagher (Amy S. Weber) to create a documentary about the school’s experiences.
As news of Jessica’s suicide attempt spreads like wildfire through the school, the documentary cameras capture the overwhelming emotions and reactions of her classmates, showcasing a raw, unfiltered perspective of teen turmoil. Miss Gallagher and her crew set out to interview students about Jessica, unveiling that her emotional distress was largely driven by the relentless bullying from her former best friend, Avery Keller, played by Hunter King. This bullying traces back to a pivotal moment in junior high when Jessica refused to let Avery cheat off her test, which marked the beginning of a toxic cycle of harassment.
During interviews, Jessica’s best friend, Brian, portrayed by Jimmy Bennett, reveals the painful history of bullying that Jessica endured from Avery. Brian explains that while many students were unaware of the true nature of their relationship, he had the inside knowledge of the escalating bullying that Jessica faced over the years. When confronted, Avery dismisses the accusations, claiming they simply drifted apart. To counter the growing rumors, she opts to share her life experiences through a video diary, but her footage inadvertently exposes the dysfunction in her family life. She struggles with a domineering mother and a lackadaisical father, compounded by her older brother’s failures.
As tensions rise, Brian confesses to the documentary crew about a hidden camera they had used to record Avery’s bullying behavior. In a significant reveal, he shares footage that captures Avery’s barrage of emotional torment – from physical bullying to cruel, distressing messages urging Jessica to take her own life. The footage painfully illustrates Jessica’s isolation and despair, highlighting her struggles that go unnoticed by her peers.
As the school community rallies around Jessica, the narrative takes a dark turn. Avery’s cruelty begins to unravel her social standing, and during a confrontation with the school’s principal, her dysfunctional family’s denial further complicates matters. In a moment of heightened tension, Avery lashes out online, further humiliating Jessica after revealing her frustrations and minimizing the seriousness of the situation.
The climax unfolds in the hospital as Jessica’s heartbeat fades, leaving her parents and the documentary crew in turmoil. In a parallel storyline, Avery watches the recorded footage of her bullying in a moment of visceral realization that leads her to seek forgiveness. Crying and filled with remorse, she acknowledges the damage she caused, stating, “My name is Avery Keller, and I’m a bully.”
In a poignant conclusion, after a life-saving intervention regains Jessica’s pulse, the film closes with Jessica gradually regaining consciousness, her eyes opening as she stares intently into the camera. This moment encapsulates not just a fight for her life, but also serves as a powerful testament to the devastating effects of bullying and the profound need for understanding and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Timeline
Track the key events of A Girl Like Her (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jessica's Despair
Fifteen-year-old Jessica, emotionally overwhelmed, makes a heartbreaking decision to end her life by taking a handful of pills from her mother's cabinet. Her deep personal struggles lead her to this tragic moment, highlighting the severity of her feelings and isolation.
Emergency Response
After Jessica's mother finds her unconscious, she swiftly calls for help, leading to an urgent rush to the hospital. This unsettling event underscores the gravity of Jessica's situation and marks the beginning of her fight for survival.
Documentary Initiative
The recognition of Jessica's high school as one of the top ten public schools in the nation prompts filmmaker Amy Gallagher to create a documentary about the school's culture. Little does she know, her project will soon delve into serious issues surrounding mental health and bullying.
Revelation of Bullying
As word spreads about Jessica's suicide attempt, the documentary captures the emotional reactions of her classmates. Through interviews, it is revealed that Jessica's struggles were significantly influenced by relentless bullying from her former best friend, Avery.
Origins of Bullying
Miss Gallagher's interviews uncover that the bullying began in junior high when Jessica denied Avery the chance to cheat on a test. This pivotal moment marked the start of a toxic relationship that would haunt Jessica for years.
Brian's Testimony
Jessica's best friend, Brian, reveals the extent of bullying that Jessica has endured through the years. He provides vital context about their relationship, shedding light on the harassment that many of their peers were unaware of.
Avery's Defense
Confronted about her behavior, Avery brushes aside accusations of bullying, claiming that Jessica and she simply grew apart. However, her defensive stance further complicates the narrative involving their troubled friendship.
Video Diary Fallout
In an attempt to counter the backlash from the documentary, Avery shares a video diary of her life. However, her footage unintentionally reveals her family's turmoil, showcasing the chaotic environment that contributes to her own struggles.
The Hidden Camera Incident
Brian confesses to having secretly recorded Avery's bullying behavior with a hidden camera. This shocking admission unveils harrowing footage that demonstrates the severity of Avery's emotional and physical torment against Jessica.
Community Response
As Jessica battles for her life, her classmates rally in support of her, reflecting the community's emotional engagement in her plight. The awareness raised prompts discussions concerning bullying and mental health within the school.
Avery's Downward Spiral
As the situation escalates, Avery's reputational standing crumbles as classmates begin to realize her role in Jessica's suffering. Overwhelmed, she lashes out online, further exposing her fragile emotional state and misunderstanding of the crisis.
Climax at the Hospital
In a tense moment at the hospital, Jessica’s condition worsens as her heartbeat fades. This devastating scene leaves her parents and the documentary crew in turmoil, capturing the urgency of life-hanging moments.
Avery's Moment of Realization
While watching the recorded footage of her bullying, Avery experiences a profound moment of remorse. Filled with guilt, she acknowledges her actions and declares, 'My name is Avery Keller, and I’m a bully,' seeking forgiveness.
Life-Saving Intervention
In a pivotal moment, medical professionals perform a life-saving intervention that revives Jessica's pulse. This turning point restores hope, symbolizing not only her chance at survival but also a reminder of the fragility of youth.
A New Beginning
As the film concludes, Jessica gradually regains consciousness, her eyes locking onto the camera. This moment not only signifies her fight for life but also serves as a powerful message about the urgent need for empathy and understanding amidst adolescent turmoil.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring A Girl Like Her (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jessica (Lexi Ainsworth)
Jessica is a 15-year-old sophomore who battles her inner demons, leading her to a tragic suicide attempt. Her character represents the struggles faced by many teenagers, battling not only the external pressures of high school but also the internal pain caused by bullying. Jessica's journey highlights her resilience and the fight for life amidst overwhelming despair.
Avery Keller (Hunter King)
Avery Keller is portrayed as the antagonist whose bullying drives Jessica to the brink. Initially depicted as a typical high school girl, her character reveals deeper layers of complexity as she grapples with her own family issues. Avery's journey towards self-realization and remorse serves as a critical turn in the narrative, showcasing the potential for change and redemption.
Brian (Jimmy Bennett)
Brian is Jessica’s loyal best friend who is aware of the bullying she endures. He plays a pivotal role in revealing the truth about Jessica’s plight through his candid interviews. Brian's character embodies friendship and bravery as he stands for Jessica in the face of adversity while navigating the complexities of teenage loyalty.
Setting
Uncover the settings of A Girl Like Her (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary
The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the modern-day issues of bullying, mental health, and the impact of social media on youth. This era marks a heightened awareness of such topics, and the story sheds light on the dire consequences faced by teenagers.
Location
High School, Hospital
The high school is a microcosm of teenage life, marked by a mix of academic pressure and social dynamics. Known for its excellence, it becomes the backdrop for a dramatic unfolding of events surrounding Jessica's struggles. The hospital serves as a crucial setting for both despair and hope, where moments of crisis and recovery intertwine.
Themes
Explore the core themes of A Girl Like Her (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Bullying
Bullying is a central theme that drives the narrative, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it takes on Jessica. The film portrays the harrowing effects of relentless cruelty from peers and the often-overlooked struggles of victims. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for empathy and intervention in cases of harassment.
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Mental Health
The theme of mental health is critically examined through Jessica's journey, showcasing her deep personal struggles and the impact of bullying on her well-being. It calls attention to the importance of addressing mental health issues in adolescents and the necessity of support systems. The film urges viewers to recognize the signs and foster an environment where young people feel safe to seek help.
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Awareness
The film actively promotes awareness about the effects of bullying and the importance of compassion within a school community. Through the documentary lens, it captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of the students and drives home the message of collective responsibility to prevent bullying. It encourages open dialogues about mental health and the experiences of those affected by it.
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