Cherry

Cherry 2021

Runtime

142 min

Language

English

English

Directed by

Anthony Russo

Anthony Russo

Made by

Apple TV+

Apple TV+

Test your knowledge of Cherry with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Cherry (2021). 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.


Cherry finds himself overwhelmed by love at first sight when he meets his college classmate, Emily. As their relationship deepens, Emily makes the life-changing decision to leave for Montreal to pursue her studies, leaving Cherry heartbroken. In a desperate attempt to escape his emotional turmoil, he enlists in the Army as a medic. However, just before he embarks on basic training, Emily realizes the gravity of her feelings and confesses her love for Cherry, declaring that they are destined to be together. They quickly marry before his deployment.

Cherry’s two-year stint in the Army brings unimaginable challenges, as he grapples with PTSD resulting from traumatic experiences, including witnessing the brutal death of his friend, Jimenez, in an IED explosion. Upon returning home, Cherry struggles to cope with severe panic attacks and anxiety, turning to OxyContin, which is prescribed to alleviate his PTSD symptoms. This decision marks the beginning of a downward spiral, as Emily, feeling helpless and frustrated about Cherry’s condition, starts consuming the same medication, leading both of them into the grips of a dangerous addiction.

Their life takes a dark turn when they break into a safe that belongs to Cherry’s drug dealer, Pills and Coke, only to find themselves using most of the drugs they pilfered. The situation escalates when Pills and Coke later discovers the empty safe, revealing that his boss, Black, is furious and will stop at nothing to reclaim his lost property. To pay off the debt, Cherry resorts to robbing a bank, which spirals into a series of heists to fuel their growing addiction.

As the couple’s heroin usage intensifies, they begin to suffer from acute withdrawal symptoms, leading Cherry to rob banks at an alarming rate. Tragedy strikes when Emily overdoses and nearly dies in the hospital. Under immense pressure from Emily’s mother, Cherry is guilted into leaving her, yet Emily eventually exits rehab to be with him, determined to share their risky lifestyle despite the potential dangers that come with it.

In need of more money, Cherry collaborates with Pills and Coke and his friend, James Lightfoot, for a series of bank robberies. However, during one heist, chaos ensues as the drug dealer panics and leaves, forcing Cherry to finish the job alone. As Cherry and Lightfoot escape, they discover Pills and Coke, shot and bleeding severely. Despite debating whether to take him to the hospital, they decide against it, leading to a tragic end for Pills and Coke, whose lifeless body they discard by the roadside.

Through a tense confrontation with Black regarding the drug debt, Cherry decides to pull off one last robbery, ultimately convincing a bank teller to set off the alarm as he walks out with the cash. In a desperate bid for resolution, Cherry gives the money back to Black and walks away from his chaotic life—only to attract the attention of the police by firing his weapon into the air. He sits on the roadside, getting high one last time before being apprehended.

After spending 14 long years in prison detoxing and rehabilitating, Cherry finally gets released on parole. As he steps out of the prison gates, he reunites with Emily, who has been waiting for him, hinting at the possibility of their love reigniting amid the scars of their past.

Timeline

Track the key events of Cherry (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Love at First Sight

Cherry meets Emily, a classmate, and experiences an overwhelming sense of love at first sight. Their initial connection sets the stage for a deepening relationship that will greatly impact both of their lives.

Emily's Departure

As their relationship blossoms, Emily decides to leave for Montreal to pursue her studies. This decision leaves Cherry heartbroken and struggling with his emotions as he faces the prospect of separation.

Montreal

Enlistment in the Army

In an attempt to escape his emotional pain, Cherry enlists in the Army as a medic. This significant choice marks the start of a challenging chapter in his life as he prepares for military training.

A Last-Minute Confession

Just before his deployment, Emily realizes her deep feelings for Cherry and confesses her love. The couple marries hastily, hoping to strengthen their bond before Cherry embarks on his military journey.

The Challenges of War

Cherry faces harrowing experiences during his two-year service in the Army, including witnessing his friend's horrific death in an IED explosion. These traumas leave Cherry grappling with severe PTSD.

War Zone

Struggles with PTSD

After returning home, Cherry is plagued by panic attacks and anxiety linked to his PTSD. In search of relief, he turns to OxyContin, inadvertently initiating a downward spiral into addiction.

Shared Addiction

Feeling helpless, Emily begins to consume OxyContin as well, resulting in a shared struggle with addiction. The couple's life descends further into chaos as their dependence deepens.

Breaking into the Dealer's Safe

In a desperate move to obtain more drugs, Cherry and Emily break into a safe belonging to Cherry's drug dealer, Pills and Coke. They end up consuming most of the drugs they stole, worsening their situation.

The Escalation of Violence

When Pills and Coke discovers the empty safe, he is furious and seeks revenge through his boss, Black. The couple finds themselves caught in a dangerous web, forced to consider drastic measures to repay their debt.

Bank Heists Begin

To pay off their growing drug debt, Cherry resorts to bank robberies, igniting a series of increasingly reckless heists. Each robbery pulls them further into a life of crime while fueling their addiction.

Emily's Overdose

Amidst their spiraling drug use, Emily suffers a near-fatal overdose and is hospitalized. The incident forces Cherry to confront the reality of their lifestyle, while also feeling immense guilt from Emily’s trauma.

Hospital

Leave from Rehab

Under pressure from Emily's mother, Cherry decides to leave Emily, burdened by guilt over her struggles. However, Emily defies expectations by leaving rehab to reunite with Cherry, eager to return to their life together.

A Dangerous Collaboration

Cherry teams up with Pills and Coke and a friend for a series of bank robberies. However, chaos ensues during one heist, leading him to finish the job alone while facing dire consequences.

The Final Confrontation

Cherry's desperation crescendos into a final robbery to clear his debts with Black. In a moment of recklessness, he fires his weapon into the air and attracts police attention, sealing his fate.

Release from Prison

After serving 14 years in prison to detox and rehabilitate, Cherry is released on parole. He reunites with Emily, who has been waiting for him, hinting at a potential rekindling of their love despite their past struggles.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Cherry (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Cherry

Cherry is a young man who undergoes a profound transformation from a lovesick college student to a troubled veteran struggling with PTSD and addiction. His journey is marked by tragedy and a desperate longing for connection, driven by his turbulent relationship with Emily.

💔 Love 🇺🇸 Veteran 💊 Addict

Emily

Emily is Cherry's love interest, a passionate and ambitious individual who makes significant sacrifices for her education. Her character embodies both strength and vulnerability as she navigates the challenges of Cherry's addiction and their tumultuous relationship.

💖 Love 🎓 Student 💔 Loss

Pills and Coke

Pills and Coke serves as a drug dealer and a pivotal character in Cherry's descent into crime. He embodies the allure and dangers of the drug world, pushing Cherry deeper into a life of crime and addiction.

💊 Drug Dealer 💰 Crime

James Lightfoot

James Lightfoot is Cherry's friend and accomplice in crime, caught up in the whirlwind of bank robberies. His character represents the chaotic decision-making that often accompanies addiction, leading to unforeseen consequences.

🕵️‍♂️ Accomplice 💰 Crime

Black

Black is the ruthless drug dealer who demands repayment for Cherry's debts, making him an antagonistic force in Cherry's life. His character emphasizes the dangers associated with the drug trade and the violent repercussions of addiction.

💰 Antagonist 🔫 Violence

Setting

Uncover the settings of Cherry (2021), 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

The movie spans various pivotal moments in the life of Cherry, shifting from his college years to his military service and struggles with addiction. This journey reflects contemporary issues such as mental health and the impacts of war on veterans.

Location

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history. It is the largest city in Quebec and is recognized for its French heritage, beautiful architecture, and bustling arts scene, attracting students and visitors from around the world.

🏙️ City 🍁 Canada

Themes

Explore the core themes of Cherry (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


❤️

Love

The theme of love is central to Cherry's story, encapsulating the intense emotions of first love and the pain of separation. Despite the challenges they face, Cherry and Emily's bond is tested, revealing the power and fragility of their connection.

⚔️

War

War plays a critical role in Cherry’s character development, showcasing how serving in the Army and the trauma of combat deeply affect his mental health. The experiences he faces during wartime contribute to his struggles with PTSD.

💊

Addiction

The movie vividly explores addiction's destructive nature, depicting how both Cherry and Emily become ensnared by drugs as they attempt to cope with their pain. Their journey highlights the societal and personal impacts of substance abuse.

🚔

Crime

The theme of crime emerges as a consequence of Cherry and Emily's addiction, leading to a series of increasingly desperate decisions, including bank robbery. This descent into criminality underscores the lengths individuals will go to escape their realities.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.