Plot Summary
In 1996, Stevie, a 13-year-old boy living in Palms, Los Angeles, navigates the challenges of a troubled home life, marked by a physically abusive older brother, Ian, and a single mother, Dabney. One fateful day, Stevie’s curiosity draws him to Motor Avenue Skateshop, where he is captivated by the lively banter and camaraderie of the skaters outside. Enthralled, he returns the next day and, through a trade with Ian, acquires a skateboard. At the shop, he forms a bond with young skater Ruben, who introduces him to an eclectic group of friends: the charming leader Ray, the boisterous Fuckshit played by [Olan Prenatt], and the more reserved Fourth Grade portrayed by [Ryder McLaughlin]. Despite his lack of experience, Stevie is eager to fit in and emulate their reckless behavior and anti-social attitudes.
During a conversation, Ray dubs Stevie “Sunburn,” signaling his acceptance into the group. However, this newfound camaraderie stirs feelings of jealousy in Ruben. As Stevie attempts an ambitious skateboard trick between two rooftops, he suffers a head injury, prompting concern from Dabney about his reckless choices and his association with the group. Nevertheless, Stevie is resolute in his decision to remain part of this new clique. Tensions rise when Ian confronts Fuckshit, yet he backs down before a potential fight can erupt. As Stevie delves deeper into this lifestyle, he starts to smoke, drink, and even experiments with marijuana.
At a party, he has his first kiss and a sexual encounter with Estee, an older teenage girl, highlighting the significant age gap between them. The situation escalates when a drunken confrontation with Ian leads to a violent altercation. In the aftermath, feeling isolated and despondent, Stevie resorts to self-harm, attempting to asphyxiate himself with a SNES controller cord. The following day, Dabney forbids him from associating with his friends, only to have Stevie defiantly reject her orders. Alienated from both his mother and brother, Stevie finds solace behind the skate shop, where Ray offers him comforting words about their shared hardship. Ray shares the struggles that his friends face: Fourth Grade’s poverty, Ruben’s abusive home life, Fuckshit’s worsening behavior, and his own grief over the loss of his younger brother. Eventually, Ray takes Stevie on a nighttime skate adventure, and they find themselves falling asleep beneath the stars at the Santa Monica Courthouse.
A party at the shop subsequently unfolds, with Ray hoping to turn his skating passion into a career by courting potential sponsors. However, Fuckshit, under the influence, tries to undermine Ray’s credibility. After a night of heavy drinking, Stevie and Ruben’s friendship deteriorates to the point of physical confrontation. Disheartened by their group’s lack of discipline, Ray asks everyone to leave. However, a persistent Fuckshit convinces the group to head to another party. In a moment of recklessness, Fuckshit crashes the car during a chaotic drive, resulting in Stevie being knocked unconscious and rushed to the hospital.
When he awakes, Stevie finds Ian by his side, offering him solace in the form of orange juice. As Dabney arrives, she sees Stevie’s friends camped in the waiting room, prompting her to invite them to his room. Moved by their solidarity, a glimmer of reconciliation appears on the horizon. Meanwhile, Fourth Grade pulls out a camera to share a documentary-style film of their escapades, titled “Mid90s,” capturing the essence of their youthful adventure.
Timeline
Stevie's Troubled Home Life
In 1996, Stevie, a 13-year-old boy, struggles with the challenges of a troubled home environment in Palms, Los Angeles. He deals with the physical abuse from his older brother, Ian, and the pressures of living with a single mother, Dabney.
Discovery of Motor Avenue Skateshop
One day, Stevie is drawn to the vibrancy of the Motor Avenue Skateshop. Fascinated by the lively interactions and camaraderie of the skaters outside, he decides to return the following day to explore this new world further.
Stevie Acquires a Skateboard
After trading with Ian, Stevie acquires his first skateboard, marking his entry into skate culture. With excitement, he returns to the skateshop where he forms friendships with local skaters, including Ruben and the charismatic Ray.
Acceptance into the Group
During a conversation at the skate shop, Ray affectionately nicknames Stevie 'Sunburn', which signifies his acceptance into the skateboarding group. This new camaraderie comes with its own set of challenges, especially dealing with the jealousy of Ruben.
Stevie's Skateboarding Accident
Stevie attempts an ambitious trick between two rooftops, but the stunt goes wrong, leading to a serious head injury. His mother, Dabney, expresses her concern about his reckless behavior and his new circle of friends.
Stevie's Descent into Recklessness
As Stevie immerses himself in this new lifestyle, he begins to smoke, drink, and experiment with marijuana. This troubling behavior signals a stark shift in his character as he seeks validation from his peers.
First Kiss and Sexual Encounter
At a party, Stevie experiences his first kiss and a sexual encounter with Estee, an older girl, highlighting his desire to fit in and mature. This event marks a pivotal moment in his adolescence and adds complexity to his relationships.
Violent Confrontation with Ian
After a drunken confrontation, Stevie and Ian engage in a violent altercation that leaves Stevie feeling more isolated than ever. As emotional turmoil escalates, Stevie resorts to self-harm, showcasing his deep struggle for acceptance and relief from pain.
Rejection of Parental Authority
The following day, Dabney forbids Stevie from hanging out with his friends, but he defiantly rejects her orders. This moment illustrates Stevie's growing rebellion and desire to forge his own path, despite the fallout with his family.
Bonding Night with Ray
Stevie finds solace at the skate shop, where he connects with Ray, who shares his own hardships. During a nighttime skate adventure, they find comfort in each other's company, strengthening their friendship under the stars at the Santa Monica Courthouse.
Party and Sponsorship Hopes
A party at the shop reveals Ray's ambition to turn skating into a career as he seeks sponsorship. However, chaos ensues when Fuckshit attempts to undermine Ray's credibility, causing tensions to rise within the group.
Deterioration of Friendship
Following a night of heavy drinking, tensions mount between Stevie and Ruben, leading to a physical confrontation. This breakdown highlights the fragility of their friendship, set against the reckless backdrop of their lifestyle.
Car Crash Incident
In a reckless moment, Fuckshit crashes a car during a chaotic drive, resulting in Stevie being knocked unconscious. This horrifying event serves as a wake-up call for the group about the consequences of their behavior.
Awakening in the Hospital
When Stevie regains consciousness in the hospital, he finds Ian by his side, offering him orange juice as a sign of support. Dabney's arrival with Stevie's friends further signifies a potential for healing and reconciliation.
Fourth Grade's Documentary
As a crowning moment of their adventures, Fourth Grade pulls out a camera to present the documentary-style film titled 'Mid90s'. This film encapsulates the essence of their youthful escapades and the bonds they formed during that tumultuous time.
Characters
Stevie
Stevie is a 13-year-old boy yearning for acceptance amid the chaos of his family life. His desire to fit in with the skaters leads him into a world of recklessness and self-discovery. As he navigates friendships, heartbreaks, and personal challenges, Stevie's character embodies the turbulence of youth.
Ian
Ian, Stevie's older brother, is portrayed as both a source of conflict and concern. His abusive tendencies drive a wedge in their relationship, revealing the complexities of sibling dynamics. Despite his flaws, moments of vulnerability hint at the struggles Ian faces within himself.
Dabney
Dabney is Stevie's single mother, struggling to keep her family together amidst turmoil. Her protective nature reflects her love, yet her inability to understand Stevie's world creates distance. Her character captures the essence of parental challenges in a turbulent family environment.
Ray
Ray emerges as a charismatic leader within the skater group, embodying both confidence and vulnerability. He shares a deep connection with Stevie, guiding him through the complexities of young adulthood. Ray's burdens, stemming from personal loss and adversity, showcase his depth.
Ruben
Ruben is a young skater who initially shares camaraderie with Stevie but later feels threatened by his presence. His character navigates jealousy and insecurity, illustrating the challenges of friendship during adolescence. Ruben's background hints at his own struggles at home.
Estee
Estee is an older teenage girl who becomes Stevie's first romantic interest, highlighting the age gap and complexities of adolescent relationships. Her interactions with Stevie introduce themes of innocence and experience, reflecting the whirlwind nature of young love.
Setting
Time period
1996
The mid-90s were characterized by the rise of alternative culture and the burgeoning skateboarding scene, reflective of youth rebellion and freedom. This period saw a cultural shift with the influence of youthful independence, often marked by experimentation and the pursuit of identity. The decade also grappled with issues of family dynamics and the complexities of adolescent relationships.
Location
Palms, Los Angeles, Motor Avenue Skateshop, Santa Monica Courthouse
Palms is a vibrant neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its diverse community and youthful energy. The Motor Avenue Skateshop serves as a hub for local skaters, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. The Santa Monica Courthouse, with its serene outdoor space, becomes a backdrop for personal growth and night-time adventures under the stars.
Themes
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Skate Culture
Skate culture serves as both a refuge and a catalyst for Stevie's exploration of identity and belonging. It embodies the spirit of rebellion and camaraderie among young skateboarders, highlighting their shared struggles. The film showcases how skating becomes a way for the characters to navigate their challenging lives and find moments of joy.
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Family Dynamics
The theme of family dynamics plays a crucial role as Stevie grapples with an abusive brother and a single mother. These troubled relationships ultimately shape his quest for acceptance and understanding. The film captures the complexity of familial love, conflict, and the search for solace away from home.
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Youth and Rebellion
The story illustrates the essence of youth encapsulated in the thrill of rebellion and the desire to fit in. Stevie's journey is marked by reckless choices, experimentation with substances, and first experiences that define adolescence. This theme resonates with the struggles between seeking independence and grappling with consequences.
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