American Teen 2008
Directed by
Nanette Burstein
Made by
Paramount Vantage
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of American Teen (2008). 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.
Documenting the intricate lives of four teenagers—a jock, the popular girl, the artsy girl, and the geek—the film unfolds in a small Indiana town as they navigate their senior year of high school. We witness the insecurities, cliques, jealousies, first loves, and heartbreaks, alongside the daunting task of making significant decisions about their futures. Over the course of ten months, filmmaker Nanette Burstein immerses herself in the daily lives of her subjects, yielding a film that transcends typical high school stereotypes to portray multifaceted young individuals seeking their paths to adulthood.
Among these teens is Hannah Bailey, an intelligent and striking misfit in her conservative high school. A liberal atheist in a traditional Christian community, she harbors dreams of moving to California post-graduation. Colin Clemens, the star of the high school basketball team—where basketball reigns supreme in Indiana—feels tremendous pressure as he strives to make his town, school, and father proud, all while aiming for a coveted college scholarship.
Then there’s Jake Tusing, a self-identified nerd. Despite his humorous and charming demeanor one-on-one, he grapples with crippling shyness in group situations. This senior year, he resolves that nothing will hinder his quest to find a girlfriend. Meanwhile, Megan Krizmanich, the Vice President of the student council and daughter of a renowned local surgeon, waits anxiously for news from Notre Dame University. Although affluent, attractive, intelligent, and popular, she wields significant power at her school—but not without consequences. When her authority comes under challenge from her peers, she feels compelled to take action, fully aware of the potential risks to her future.
Additionally, we meet Mitch Reinholdt, the charismatic varsity basketball jock with a softer side. As he risks his social standing by opting for dates with the artsy Hannah Bailey instead of his popular friends, he experiences the strains of maintaining his reputation while unearthing new dimensions of himself. This documentary captures not just the trials of adolescence but the journey toward self-discovery amid the turbulent yet formative years of high school.
Timeline
Track the key events of American Teen (2008) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to the Four Teens
The film opens by introducing four central characters: the jock, the popular girl, the artsy girl, and the geek. Each of them represents a different facet of high school life in a small Indiana town, setting the stage for their intertwining narratives throughout their senior year.
Hannah's Aspirations
We learn about Hannah Bailey, an intelligent misfit with dreams of moving to California after graduation. Her unique position as a liberal atheist in a conservative environment highlights her struggles with identity and belonging.
Colin's Pressure
Colin Clemens, a standout basketball player, feels an immense weight on his shoulders. He aims to excel in sports to secure a college scholarship, which leads him to experience the pressures of living up to his family's and community's expectations.
Jake's Journey to Confidence
Jake Tusing, the self-identified nerd, grapples with his shyness in social situations. Determined to change, he sets a resolution to find a girlfriend during his senior year, marking a proactive step towards overcoming his insecurities.
Megan's Authority Challenged
Megan Krizmanich, Vice President of the student council, faces challenges to her authority. Despite her popularity and intelligence, she learns that power comes with its own set of complexities and risks, leaving her anxious about what lies ahead.
Mitch's Social Dilemma
Mitch Reinholdt, the charismatic jock, makes a bold choice by dating Hannah instead of conforming to his friends' expectations. This decision not only puts his social standing at risk but also helps him explore new aspects of his personality.
First Loves
As the year progresses, the teens experience their first loves and romantic entanglements. This phase introduces new emotions and complications, enriching their understanding of relationships and personal connections.
Heartbreaks and Insecurities
The realities of heartbreak force the characters to confront their insecurities. Each teen faces unique challenges that test their resilience and self-worth, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence.
Decision-Making for the Future
As graduation approaches, the characters wrestle with crucial decisions that will shape their futures. The pressure to perform academically, choose a college, and ascertain personal aspirations creates a pivotal moment in their lives.
Self-Discovery Journey
Throughout the documentaries, the quartet embarks on a journey of self-discovery. They navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence, learning more about who they are and who they want to become.
Facing the Future
As the film nears its conclusion, the characters reflect on their high school experiences and what lies ahead for them. The blend of excitement and trepidation showcases the bittersweet nature of leaving behind the familiar.
Conclusion of the Documented Year
The documentary wraps up by encapsulating the shared experiences of the teens. Their individual and collective growth signifies the bridge from adolescence to adulthood, chronicling a significant chapter in their lives.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring American Teen (2008) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hannah Bailey
Hannah is an intelligent and striking misfit who challenges the norms of her conservative high school. Her liberal values and aspirations to move to California set her apart, and she embodies the struggle of a teenager seeking acceptance while remaining true to herself.
Colin Clemens
Colin is the star of the basketball team, embodying the pressure to succeed in a sport revered in Indiana. His determination to impress his family and secure a college scholarship reflects the weight of expectations placed on young athletes.
Jake Tusing
Jake is a self-identified nerd who juxtaposes humor and shyness, particularly in social situations. His year-long quest to find a girlfriend highlights the struggle many face while navigating teenage relationships and self-confidence.
Megan Krizmanich
Megan, the Vice President of the student council, wields significant influence in her school but faces challenges to her authority. As she navigates the complexities of being popular and affluent, she learns valuable lessons about leadership and responsibility.
Mitch Reinholdt
Mitch is a charismatic varsity basketball player who struggles to balance his social standing with his personal desires. His choice to date Hannah reveals a softer side and a desire to break away from peer expectations.
Setting
Uncover the settings of American Teen (2008), 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
Modern Day
The events take place in contemporary times, reflecting the current societal dynamics among teenagers. This period highlights the anxieties of youth regarding college applications, societal pressures, and the complex relationships formed during one's high school years.
Location
small Indiana town
The movie is set in a small Indiana town, known for its tight-knit community and the importance of high school sports, particularly basketball. This backdrop provides a relatable yet challenging environment for the teenagers navigating their senior year, facing pressures from peers and societal expectations.
Themes
Explore the core themes of American Teen (2008). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a prevalent theme as the characters grapple with first loves and the emotional fallout of their relationships. The film delves into the complexities of teenage romance, illustrating how love and loss shape their paths to adulthood.
🤔
Self-Discovery
Throughout the documentary, the theme of self-discovery emerges as each teenager navigates their identity and aspirations. From Hannah's ambitions to escape to California to Mitch's struggles with social perceptions, each character's journey reflects the search for personal truth within the confines of societal expectations.
👥
Cliques
The film explores the dynamics of high school cliques, showcasing how they impact friendships and individual growth. It highlights the challenges of breaking free from stereotypes and the influence of peer pressure on personal decisions.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.