Directed by

John Cameron Mitchell
Made by

A24
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Young Enn, portrayed by Alex Sharp, alongside his close friends, stumbles upon a surreal gathering of teenagers who aren’t from this world. These intergalactic visitors have come to Earth to partake in an enigmatic rite of passage, but this encounter ignites a wild crush in Enn’s heart for Zan, played by Elle Fanning. Zan is not just beautiful; she’s a spirited and rebellious alien, and her fascination with Enn leads them both on a vibrant escapade through the dynamic punk rock landscape of 1970s London. Their unexpected connection seemingly triggers an epic showdown between the earthbound punks and their extraterrestrial counterparts.
During a raucous evening en route to a punk concert in the quiet suburb of Croydon, Enn, John, and Vic unintentionally discover what appears to be a unique house party filled with eccentric, latex-clad attendees. Gradually, they unravel the truth: this offbeat assembly is a congregation of aliens. As the night unfolds, Enn finds himself smitten with the mysterious and daring Zan.
At the helm of this unusual gathering is Queen Boadicea, magnificently embodied by Nicole Kidman, a punk veteran who manages the local punk venue. Among the alien ranks are PT Stella, represented by Ruth Wilson, and PT Wain, portrayed by Matt Lucas, alongside PT Waldo, played by Tom Brooke, who is revealed to be Zan’s parent and one of the alien leaders.
Intrigued by the mundane yet fascinating life of a local, Zan pleads with Enn to introduce her to Earth’s experiences, as her alien itinerary is painfully dull. Defying the expectations of her kind, she escapes her colony to spend just 48 hours indulging in human adventures with Enn. He welcomes her into his home, where her charm quickly wins over his mother, Marion, played by Joanna Scanlan. But the serene moments are shattered when Waldo inhabits Marion’s body, pressuring Zan to return to her home. Nevertheless, Zan is resolute in her desire to embrace life’s offerings, declaring that the essence of their alien journey lies in experiencing the unexpected.
The plot thickens with the introduction of PT First, the alien supreme leader, played by Edward Petherbridge. As Waldo initiates a vote to decide Zan’s fate, it becomes clear that returning to the colony means abandoning her burgeoning relationship with Enn. Zan, an avid punk enthusiast, eagerly accompanies Enn to meet Boadicea, but miscommunication leads to a twist where Boadicea mistakenly elevates Zan to punk stardom at the local hangout. In a moment of collaboration, both take to the stage to perform a song addressing alien customs.
Yet, as the audience revels in their performance, Zan shares a terrifying revelation: her colony’s leaders plan to carry out a dreadful practice involving the children. Confusion ensues as the extraterrestrial assembly arrives, and Waldo warns Zan about the peril of being left behind if she doesn’t return. As tensions escalate, First discloses that Zan is pregnant, complicating her choice further. With the clock ticking, and facing a heartrending goodbye, Zan makes the choice to go back to safeguard her race’s future by voting to halt the pervasive child-eating ritual.
Fast forward 15 years, and we find Enn thriving as a graphic artist with a bestselling book to his name. While at a book signing event, he is approached by a group of teenagers who introduce themselves as Zan’s children. Overwhelmed with nostalgia and emotion, Enn realizes the profound impact Zan’s choice had on his life and reflects on the love they once shared.
Follow the complete movie timeline of How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Enn Meets Aliens
Young Enn and his friends, John and Vic, stumble upon a bizarre gathering in Croydon. This vibrant party brimming with eccentric latex-clad attendees turns out to be hosted by a group of intergalactic visitors.
Love at First Sight
Amid the chaos of the alien gathering, Enn finds himself captivated by the rebellious and enchanting Zan. This initial encounter ignites a wild crush that will change both their lives forever.
Introduction to Queen Boadicea
The bizarre gathering is led by Queen Boadicea, a punk veteran who runs the local venue. Her commanding presence hints at the unique world of punk-rock and its intermingling with alien culture.
Zan's Curiosity
Zan expresses her desire to experience Earth's wonders, seeing Enn's life as refreshingly intriguing. Her decision to escape her alien colony sets the course for a whirlwind adventure.
Home Introduction
Enn welcomes Zan into his home, where she charismatically impresses his mother, Marion. This burgeoning connection between Enn and Zan begins to deepen as they share personal experiences.
Waldo's Interference
The serenity is abruptly interrupted when Waldo infiltrates Marion’s body, coercing Zan to return to her oppressive alien life.ZNan’s determination surfaces as she resists leaving the life she's just begun to embrace.
The Vote
As tensions rise, the alien leaders convene a vote on Zan’s future. With the looming threat of returning to her home, Zan faces a choice between her alien obligations and her feelings for Enn.
Punk Stardom
Zan's enthusiasm for punk music propels her into an unexpected spotlight when Boadicea mistakenly elevates her to punk stardom. The duo takes the stage, addressing the nuances of alien customs through song.
Revelation of Danger
While performing, Zan reveals a shocking secret about her colony's horrifying plans involving children. The weight of this truth destabilizes the burgeoning camaraderie of the group, intensifying the conflict.
Zan's Pregnancy
Complicating matters, First reveals that Zan is pregnant, which adds urgency to her decision to either stay on Earth or return. This twist forces Zan to reevaluate what is truly at stake.
Heartfelt Goodbye
The clock is ticking as Zan confronts the reality of her choices. Ultimately, she decides to return to her colony to protect her race’s future, leading to a devastating goodbye with Enn.
15 Years Later
Fast forward 15 years; Enn has established himself as a graphic artist with a bestselling book. During a book signing, he is confronted by a group of teenagers who reveal they are Zan's children, stirring deep emotions.
Reflection on Choices
As Enn interacts with Zan's children, he reflects on the profound impact of Zan's choice to return home. The encounter brings back memories of love and what could have been between them.
Explore all characters from How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Boadicea (Nicole Kidman)
Boadicea is a punk veteran and the queen of the alien party, embodying a fierce and charismatic leader. With her commanding presence, she navigates the chaotic dynamics between humans and aliens, showcasing both strength and vulnerability. Her connection with Zan reflects her role as a mentor as well as an unpredictable figure in the story.
Zan (Elle Fanning)
Zan is a spirited and adventurous alien who fervently desires to experience human life beyond her colony's confines. Her rebellious nature and yearning for adventure fuel her bond with Enn, leading to a whirlwind of human experiences. Zan's journey also highlights her internal conflict between alien customs and her newfound love.
Enn (Alex Sharp)
Enn is a young, passionate graphic artist whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Zan. His curiosity and affection for her drive him to experience both the whimsy and challenges of intergalactic love. Enn's character represents the essence of youthful exploration and the impact of love on one's trajectory.
Learn where and when How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1970s
The 1970s was a transformative decade marked by political upheaval, cultural shifts, and the rise of punk rock music. This era brought forth a wave of countercultural movements, influencing fashion, music, and social norms. The backdrop of the punk scene plays a crucial role in depicting the tension between alien visitors and human punks.
Location
London, Croydon
The movie takes place in the vibrant and rebellious landscape of 1970s London, specifically in the suburb of Croydon. Known for its diverse punk rock scene, London during this era was a hotbed of musical experimentation and youthful rebellion. Croydon adds a suburban contrast, showcasing a quieter environment that amplifies the contrast of the intergalactic events unfolding.
Discover the main themes in How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Alien Encounters
The theme of alien encounters represents the exploration of identity and belonging. The arrival of extraterrestrial beings serves as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery that both Enn and Zan undertake. Their connections challenge societal norms and expectations, highlighting the beauty of embracing the unknown.
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Star-Crossed Love
The romance between Enn and Zan epitomizes the notion of star-crossed love, transcending the boundaries of species and existence. Their relationship showcases the struggles and sacrifices made in the name of love, especially when faced with destiny and societal pressures.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a prominent theme, particularly through Zan's difficult choice to prioritize her people's future over her own desires. The emotional weight of this decision reflects the sometimes harsh realities of love and duty, emphasizing the personal costs of broader consequences.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2018). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the gritty haze of 1977 suburban London, a city pulsing with the raw energy of punk, the world feels both familiar and electric. The streets echo with distorted guitars, neon shop signs flicker, and the air is thick with rebellion and possibility. Into this swirling backdrop wanders Enn, a shy teenager whose life is a quiet routine of school, family, and the occasional glimpse of the underground music scene. He carries a yearning for something beyond his modest existence, a curiosity that keeps him watching the world from the edges of the club’s doorway.
One night, that yearning leads Enn to a house party that defies ordinary expectation—a gathering of strangers whose mannerisms and attire hint at something far from Earth. Among the eclectic crowd stands Zan, a strikingly beautiful alien whose fierce demeanor and rebellious spirit instantly captivate him. She exudes an otherworldly confidence that both unnerves and enthralls, and her presence hints at a secret purpose that stretches beyond the night’s revelry. Watching from the margins, the enigmatic Queen Boadicea, a veteran of the local punk venue, presides over the scene with an authority that bridges the human and the uncanny.
The chemistry between Enn and Zan sparks a fragile partnership built on mutual curiosity; he offers a glimpse of the human experience, she promises a taste of the extraordinary. Their interactions weave together the youthful defiance of the punk subculture with the alien visitors’ inscrutable rites of passage, creating a tantalizing tension that hints at deeper cultural clashes. As music thunders and conversations flicker between languages, the pair find themselves drawn into a world where the ordinary and the strange collide, each learning to navigate the other’s perspective.
Against this backdrop of flashing stage lights and midnight streets, the film balances a whimsical sci‑fi wonder with the gritty realism of late‑70s London. The tone is both dreamy and grounded, inviting the audience to wonder how far a teenage heart will go when faced with the promise of the unknown, and what strange alliances might emerge when two vastly different worlds briefly intersect.
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