Directed by
Josh Schwartz
Made by
Paramount Pictures
In Cleveland, Ohio, high school senior Karen “Wren” DeSantis (Victoria Justice) reflects on Halloween as a festive opportunity for the locals to shed their inhibitions, dubbed affectionately as “the mistake by the lake.” Wren aspires to attend NYU, following in her father’s footsteps, who always believed that college is a place where one discovers their true self. Her life isn’t without its challenges; she has a mischievous younger brother named Albert, who continually finds ways to interrupt her, and is still at the age where he hasn’t begun to talk.
Their widowed mother, Joy (Chelsea Handler), is currently dating a much younger man named Keevin (Josh Pence), which adds to Wren’s frustrations. While Joy discourages her from pursuing NYU—citing its high costs—she insists that Ohio State is a viable alternative. Meanwhile, Wren’s dynamic friend April (Jane Levy) is focused on climbing the social ladder, and Wren’s nerdy yet devoted friend Roosevelt (Thomas Mann) is secretly infatuated with her.
The excitement builds when they receive an invite to a Halloween bash thrown by the town’s heartthrob, Aaron Riley (Thomas McDonell). Ready for the celebration, Wren decides to dress up as Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz,” while April opts for a kitty costume, and little Albert chooses to be Spiderman. Just as she prepares for the party, her plans are foiled when Joy insists she takes Albert trick-or-treating instead, promising to support Wren’s NYU application if she complies.
At the Halloween party run by Keevin’s friend Nate Brueder (James Pumphrey), things unravel unexpectedly for Joy, leading her to stumble into questionable situations. Meanwhile, at a haunted house, Wren and April inadvertently encounter Roosevelt and his best buddy Peng (Osric Chau), but find themselves separated from Albert, whose misadventures lead him to an unexpected alliance with Fuzzy (Thomas Middleditch), a convenience store worker with a vendetta against Jorgen (Johnny Knoxville). As Fuzzy attempts to wreak havoc on Jorgen, he unintentionally drags Albert along for the chaotic ride.
In the unfolding chaos, Fuzzy and Albert attempt a prank on Lara (Abby Elliott), which spirals out of control. In a series of comedic mishaps, it’s revealed that Fuzzy’s schemes lead to some serious trouble, resulting in them being chased by a local bully, Mike Puglio (Patrick De Ledebur). Alongside all this chaos, Roosevelt’s attempts to help Wren by borrowing his parents’ car are met with sexual tension as Wren expresses gratitude with a mere touch, sending him into a frenzy.
Desperate to find her brother, Wren races around town, ultimately tracing Albert’s whereabouts to a Captain Chicken outlet, a fictional pirate-themed fast food chain, where a series of comic escapades ensue. As Wren and her friends navigate the evening’s challenges, including Roosevelt’s accidental mischief at the restaurant and an unexpected showdown with bullies, Albert finds himself caught up in another dangerous situation involving Jorgen.
With Wren learning that Albert is in danger, she receives a threatening call demanding ransom for his return. Faced with the difficult task of raising $400, Wren proposes an alternative: a sentimental collectible jacket that belonged to her late father, stirring up some unexpected camaraderie with Jorgen over shared musical interests.
Ultimately, the evening culminates in a dramatic rescue led by Fuzzy, who storms Jorgen’s abode during a wild explosion, managing to thwart his plans and rescue both Wren and Albert. The adventure ends as Wren and Albert pay a visit to their father’s grave, a touching moment that encapsulates their family bond. Joy eventually allows Wren to blossom, as Roosevelt expresses his feelings, leading to a heartfelt kiss amidst the chaos.
As the night draws to a close, unexpected romances blossom for the other characters too, with Fuzzy discovering a connection with Denise (Riki Lindhome) amidst all the shenanigans. The film concludes humorously with Albert revealing his secretive pranks that had everyone in stitches, solidifying the spirit of Halloween as not just a night of fright, but a celebration of connections, laughter, and love.
Wren's Aspirations
In Cleveland, Ohio, high school senior Wren DeSantis reflects on Halloween as an opportunity for locals to let loose. Wren dreams of attending NYU, following her father's belief that college is the key to discovering one’s true self.
Family Dynamics
Wren navigates life with a mischievous younger brother, Albert, who is still at an age where he hasn’t begun to talk, constantly disrupting her plans. Their mother, Joy, is dating Keevin, significantly complicating Wren's home life and future aspirations.
Social Circles
As Wren contemplates her future, she finds herself caught between her friend April's ambition to climb the social ladder and her nerdy friend Roosevelt's unspoken love for her. This dynamic adds pressure to her already complicated life as she prepares for Halloween.
Halloween Party Invite
The excitement escalates when Wren receives an invitation to a Halloween bash hosted by the town’s attractive heartthrob, Aaron Riley. Determined to attend, she decides to dress as Dorothy from the 'Wizard of Oz', alongside her friends.
Trick-or-Treating Plans
Just as Wren gets ready, her plans are derailed when Joy insists that Wren take Albert trick-or-treating instead. Joy promises her support for Wren's NYU application if she complies, putting Wren in a difficult position.
Chaos at the Party
At the Halloween party organized by Keevin’s friend Nate, unexpected situations surface for Joy, leading her to questionable encounters. Meanwhile, Wren and April unintentionally run into Roosevelt and his friend Peng at a haunted house.
Albert's Misadventures
While Wren navigates the party, little Albert's trick-or-treating adventures take a turn as he partners with Fuzzy, a convenience store worker with a grudge against a local bully. Their chaotic alliance leads to a night full of unexpected antics.
Pranks Gone Wrong
Fuzzy and Albert’s prank on Lara spirals out of control, resulting in hilarious and troublesome situations. As they flee from a local bully, they find themselves in even deeper trouble, adding to the night’s chaos.
Wren's Desperation
Desperate to find her brother, Wren races across town searching for Albert. Her frantic efforts lead her to a Captain Chicken outlet, encountering various comedic escapades along the way including a confrontation with bullies.
Ransom Demand
Wren learns that Albert is in danger after receiving a threatening ransom call. Faced with the challenge of raising $400, she considers selling a cherished jacket that belonged to her late father, aiming to forge a connection with Jorgen over shared memories.
The Rescue Mission
The chaotic evening culminates in a wild rescue led by Fuzzy, who storms Jorgen’s hideout amidst a chaotic explosion. Wren and Albert are saved from their perilous situation, showcasing the courage and unpredictability of the night.
Family Bonds
After the tumultuous night, Wren and Albert visit their father’s grave, providing a touching conclusion to their chaotic adventure. This moment encapsulates their family bond and the true meaning of Halloween - connections and love.
New Beginnings
As the night winds down, Joy allows Wren to pursue her dreams, while Roosevelt finally expresses his feelings for her, culminating in a heartfelt kiss. The resolution of their loves signifies new beginnings and hope.
Unexpected Romances
In the aftermath of the chaotic events, Fuzzy discovers a connection with Denise, adding a comedic yet sweet twist to the night. With everyone finding their place in the chaos, the spirit of Halloween is celebrated through connections and laughter.
Albert's Revelations
As the chaos concludes, Albert reveals his earlier secret pranks, leaving everyone in stitches. This reflection on their evening not only encapsulates Halloween's spirit but highlights the themes of fun and familial ties.
Karen "Wren" DeSantis
Wren is a high school senior with aspirations of attending NYU, reflecting a determined yet vulnerable character. Despite her challenges, including a mischievous younger brother and a mother who's skeptical about her ambitions, Wren demonstrates resilience and the desire to make her dreams a reality.
Joy
Joy is Wren's widowed mother, navigating the challenges of single parenthood while dating a younger man. Her character represents the complexities of family dynamics and the different perspectives on opportunities for her children, showcasing a mix of protective instincts and aspirations for Wren.
Albert
Albert is Wren's younger brother, often providing comic relief with his mischievous antics. Although he hasn’t yet begun to talk, his adventurous spirit and unexpected actions play a significant role in the chaos of Halloween, ultimately emphasizing the bond between him and his sister.
Roosevelt
Roosevelt is Wren's nerdy yet devoted friend who harbors secret feelings for her. His loyalty and attempts to assist Wren throughout the chaotic events showcase his endearing character, highlighting themes of friendship, unrequited love, and personal growth.
Time period
The events of the film take place in contemporary times, capturing the high school experience and challenges faced by teenagers today. Themes of aspiration, familial relationships, and the quest for identity resonate throughout the narrative.
Location
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, often referred to as 'the mistake by the lake,' is known for its vibrant community and backdrop for festive events like Halloween. The city features a blend of urban culture and unique celebrations, reflecting the diverse spirit of its residents, especially during the fall season.
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Family Bonding
The theme of family bonding is central to the film, as Wren navigates her relationship with her younger brother Albert and their widowed mother, Joy. The chaos of Halloween becomes a backdrop for Wren’s journey to protect and cherish her family, underscoring the importance of love and connection.
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Friendship & Adventure
Friendship and adventure are highlighted as Wren and her friends embark on a chaotic Halloween night. Their experiences illustrate the significance of camaraderie, support, and the wild adventures that create lasting memories during formative years.
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Growing Pains
The film touches on the theme of growing pains, depicting Wren's struggle between her aspirations of attending NYU and the challenges posed by her family dynamics. This struggle reflects many youths' journey to discover their true selves amidst external pressures.
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