Blame! 2017
Directed by
Hiroyuki Seshita
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Abigail begins her journey in the film with a sense of dread about returning to high school, specifically a place ominously referred to as “MHS.” Her reluctance prompts a meeting with her parents and Ms. Cohen, who insists that Abigail should reintegrate into her daily routine without delay. With a collection of books in her room, notably “Sybil,” it’s clear that Abigail is struggling with her reality.
Meanwhile, we meet Melissa, a cheerleader flaunting an eye-catching look that includes a heavy makeup palette and an eclectic hair color scheme. She embodies rebellion, often accompanied by rap beats that fuel her wild spirit. Her guardian, Robert, is frustrated with her reluctance to get out of bed and makes it clear she needs to dress appropriately for school, despite her criticisms. At school, she sheds her “proper” outfit for something far more scandalous, garnering the approval of her friends, Sophie and Ellie. However, the trio’s playfulness quickly turns cruel when they mock Abigail, referring to her mockingly as “Psycho Sybil,” especially due to her noticeable limp.
In Mrs. Howell’s class, Abigail finds solace in discussing her collection of glass animals, clutching a unicorn figurine, while Mrs. Howell herself is in the throes of pregnancy. Moments later, among the library bookshelves, Eric displays interest in Abigail, asking for her number. Initially charming, he quickly undermines his appeal with a dismissive question about which of Abigail’s personalities he would be dating, laughing alongside friends TJ and another boy at her expense.
The plot thickens when substitute teacher Jeremy Woods steps in for Mrs. Howell, enthusiastic about staging “The Crucible” for the upcoming 2016 Drama Showcase rather than following the previous lesson plan. Despite time constraints, he challenges the students to impress him for a chance to perform in the auditorium. When he assigns roles, Abigail’s name stands out; as the character shares her name, he positions her to compete against Melissa, who believes Eric to be her boyfriend, igniting jealousy.
At home, Jeremy’s personal life intersects with his professional one; his partner Jennifer is pushy about his job prospects, discouraging him from prioritizing teaching. The tensions mount when Abigail engages with Jeremy during rehearsals, slowly embodying her character while controversies regarding their growing closeness begin to circulate.
As the days unfold, Melissa’s jealousy peaks, leading her to engage in questionable activities with Sophie and plot against Abigail. The mix of teenage drama intensifies when Abigail’s aggressive exchanges with Melissa lead to meltdowns, culminating in an escalated confrontation between the two. The essence of the classic work they are performing begins to bleed into reality as Abigail dons more provocative clothing, blurring the lines between her character and her real self.
The drama reaches its climax during the performance when Melissa tries to claim what she believes should be her role. When Abigail finally arrives, emotions erupt on stage, her anger resonating as she performs the part with an eerie authenticity.
Later, in a shocking turn of events, Melissa accuses Jeremy of inappropriate advances, spiraling into a dark narrative that unveils her true abuse from Robert. Amid confusion and chaos, Abigail finds herself waiting for Jeremy, who offers friendship and support during her trials.
As the film progresses, all these intricate connections develop into a gripping portrayal of high school life, where the overlaps of character portrayals, personal struggles, and unspoken truths are entwined, leaving a haunting and captivating reflection on identity and friendship.
Timeline
Abigail's Return to High School
Abigail experiences a deep sense of dread as she prepares to return to a place known ominously as 'MHS.' Her hesitation leads her to meet with her parents and Ms. Cohen, who pressures her to reintegrate quickly into her daily routine.
Introducing Melissa
We meet Melissa, a rebellious cheerleader who embraces a bold and eye-catching appearance. Her guardian, Robert, expresses frustration at her reluctance to participate in school, highlighting the generational clash between them.
Cruelty Among Friends
Melissa, alongside her friends Sophie and Ellie, initially enjoys some playful moments but quickly turns cruel as they mock Abigail. Referring to her as 'Psycho Sybil,' they exploit her vulnerabilities for their amusement, showcasing the harsh realities of high school social dynamics.
Abigail's Classroom Escape
During Mrs. Howell's class, Abigail finds momentary solace in discussing her glass animal collection. This provides a glimpse into her complexity, especially as she clings to a unicorn figurine, juxtaposing her fears with a fragile sense of hope.
Eric's Interest
Abigail catches the attention of Eric in the library, who initially seems charming. However, his dismissive comment about her multiple personalities reduces their interaction to an embarrassing spectacle, showing the infliction of social ridicule prevalent in teenage life.
Jeremy Woods Takes Charge
Substitute teacher Jeremy Woods disrupts the routine by announcing plans to stage 'The Crucible' for the upcoming Drama Showcase. His enthusiasm and challenge to the students creates a buzz of excitement, setting the stage for future competition.
Competitive Roles Assigned
Amidst a flurry of anticipation, Jeremy assigns roles, positioning Abigail to compete against Melissa for a significant role. This fuels jealousy within Melissa, as she sees Abigail's casting as a threat to her own desires regarding Eric.
Jeremy's Personal Struggles
At home, tensions arise in Jeremy’s life as his partner Jennifer pressures him to abandon his teaching career for more lucrative opportunities. This subplot mirrors the growing conflicts in the school setting, highlighting the complexity of adulthood.
Growing Closeness Between Abigail and Jeremy
As rehearsals progress, Abigail's interactions with Jeremy blur professional boundaries. The chemistry between them leads to rumors and scrutiny, escalating tensions both within the play and in their personal lives, painting a picture of entangled relationships.
Melissa's Plot Against Abigail
Melissa's jealousy drives her to collaborate with Sophie to undermine Abigail. The tension escalates, resulting in increasingly aggressive confrontations that reflect the darker sides of their adolescent rivalry.
Abigail's Transformation
As the deadline for the performance draws near, Abigail begins to adopt more provocative clothes, mirroring her character's traits. This physical transformation reflects her inner struggle, blurring the lines between her identity and her role.
Climactic Performance
During the performance of 'The Crucible,' tensions reach a boiling point as Melissa attempts to reclaim her role. Abigail’s arrival on stage ignites a powerful display of emotions, recasting her character with an intensity that resonates deeply with the audience.
Melissa's Accusations
In a shocking twist, Melissa accuses Jeremy of inappropriate behavior, clouding the atmosphere with confusion. This revelation takes a dark turn as it unveils her history of abuse from Robert, complicating the narrative and relationships surrounding them.
Abigail Seeks Support
Amidst the chaos, Abigail turns to Jeremy for friendship and support, seeking guidance through her trials. This moment of connection hints at the profound impacts of their intertwined lives amidst the high school turmoil.
Reflections on Identity and Friendship
As the film concludes, it leaves the audience with a gripping portrayal of high school life. The intertwined struggles of identity, personal battles, and the quest for authenticity resonate deeply, providing a haunting reflection on the complexities of teenage relationships.
Characters
Abigail
Abigail is a complex character grappling with her sense of self and experiences of bullying. The film centers on her inner turmoil and her struggle to find her place in a hostile high school environment. Abigail's journey reflects resilience despite the challenges she faces.
Melissa
Melissa is portrayed as the quintessential cheerleader with a rebellious spirit. Her character oscillates between being carefree and cruel, encapsulating the duality of teenage social interactions. Melissa's jealousy and insecurity lead her to engage in actions that reveal her vulnerabilities.
Jeremy Woods
Jeremy is a substitute teacher enthusiastic about introducing drama into the classroom. His character embodies the challenges educators face while also navigating personal pressures. The bond he forms with Abigail adds depth to his role, blending professionalism with personal connection.
Setting
Time period
2016
The events of the film take place in 2016, a time marked by the complexities of high school life and the pressures of adolescence. This period highlights themes of identity exploration and the challenges faced by teenagers during their formative years.
Location
MHS, School, Library
The primary setting is MHS, a high school that serves as a backdrop for the unfolding teenage drama. It's a place where social dynamics, peer pressure, and personal struggles come to the forefront. The library stands as a refuge for Abigail amid chaotic school life, where she finds solace with her beloved glass animals.
Themes
💔
Jealousy
Jealousy is a central theme in the film, particularly illustrated through Melissa's interactions with Abigail. As they vie for attention and acceptance, their rivalry escalates, leading to destructive behaviors. The film poignantly captures how jealousy can distort friendships and fuel conflict.
🌈
Identity
Identity is intricately woven throughout the narrative as Abigail struggles with her self-image and societal perceptions. The play they perform blurs the lines between their characters and real lives, prompting a deeper exploration of who they really are beneath the surface of teenage cliques and expectations.
🎭
Drama
The theme of drama is vividly depicted as the characters navigate their tumultuous relationships and misunderstandings. The drama of high school is intensified by the staging of 'The Crucible,' paralleling the characters' lives with the themes of the play, leading to emotional revelations.
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
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.