Directed by
Megan Park
Made by
Indian Paintbrush
On a sun-soaked afternoon, 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella) sets off on a birthday boating escapade with her closest friends, Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) and Ro (Kerrice Brooks). While her family—consisting of her mother Kathy (Maria Dizzia), father Tom (Alain Goulem), and brothers Max (Seth Isaac Johnson) and Spencer (Carter Trozzolo)—eagerly await her return for a celebratory cake, Elliott makes a spontaneous decision to prolong the festivities with her friends by camping under the stars. This unexpected adventure leads to a serendipitous encounter with Chelsea (Alexandria Rivera), the local barista who captures Elliott’s heart, paving the way for a night filled with intimacy and connection.
In search of deeper experiences, the trio acquires psychedelic mushrooms from Ro’s cousin, preparing them into a potent tea that ignites a surreal exploration of their minds. As the effects start to unfold, they are swept into a euphoric realm filled with whimsical movements and laughter. While Ruthie and Ro become immersed in their own enchanting world, Elliott finds herself captivated by an older woman—Older Elliott (Aubrey Plaza)—who reveals herself as Elliott’s future self. Marked by a notable scar from her childhood, she shares Elliott’s unique physical traits, leaving young Elliott both skeptical and fascinated by this mystical encounter.
With curiosity piqued, Elliott eagerly questions her older self about the future that lies in wait. “You’re gonna be almost forty, and you’ll be working in medicine,” Older Elliott reveals, much to young Elliott’s dismay, as it starkly contrasts her current carefree visions. An impulsive moment leads to a shared kiss, bridging their connection across time and generations.
Imparting sage advice, Older Elliott emphasizes the importance of cherishing family bonds and the love of their parents while cautioning her younger counterpart about a man named Chad. The weight of this warning looms over Elliott’s romantic aspirations, and as exhaustion sets in, they drift into a peaceful slumber.
As dawn breaks, casting shades of rose and gold across the sky, Elliott returns home with Ruthie and Ro. The initial detachment she felt from her mother, Kathy, softens upon realizing she has missed out on the celebratory cake, a poignant reminder of familial ties. Drawn back to Chelsea’s magnetic presence, Elliott seeks another intimate encounter on the serene lake, their bodies entwined in a tapestry of shared desire.
However, the reality of summer responsibilities tugs at her, as her brother Spencer arrives to rouse her from sleep, reminding her of the chores awaiting. Later, in a moment of liberation, Elliott dives into the cool lake waters for a refreshing swim, only to cross paths with a charming young man, Chad (Percy Hynes White). His playful charm disarms her, but the moment he introduces himself as Chad sends a wave of panic coursing through Elliott, shattering her newfound calm. Frantically, she swims away, heart racing.
In her quest for clarity, Elliott reaches out to Older Elliott via her phone, finding a contact labeled “MY OLD ASS”. As she sends a trembling message detailing her encounter with Chad, the urgent response reinforces Older Elliott’s warning: stay away from him. Intrigued and persistent, Elliott calls the enigmatic number again, hearing her future self’s voice weave cryptic advice about avoiding Chad.
Undeterred by the warnings, Elliott finds herself drawn back to the lake, encountering Chad once more. His charm brings laughter, yet doubt nudges her away again. With each failed attempt to reconnect with her older self, the silence weighs heavily on her until she seeks comfort in her familial relationships, spending meaningful time with her brothers and indulging in shared passions.
However, the unexpected arrival of Chad at breakfast adds tension to the delicate family dynamic. Amid awkward interactions, Elliott tries to escape by suggesting a golf outing with Max, but Max innocently invites Chad along, complicating her plans further. As they navigate the course, Max reveals his parents’ intentions to sell the farm, invoking strong feelings of nostalgia in Elliott, who confides in Tom about her emotional connection to the land.
During a tranquil boat ride, Elliott shares her worries with Chad, who offers thoughtful insights. Their vulnerable exchange brings them closer, leading to a spontaneous kiss that sends Elliott into a spiral of self-doubt, prompting her to retreat once more.
In search of guidance from her older self, Elliott encounters an unsettling silence. Feeling lost, she turns to Ro for the remaining psychedelic mushrooms, embarking on a solitary journey through the woods that merges reality with vibrant hallucination. In a whimsical vision, she imagines serenading Chad as Justin Bieber, complete with symbolic gestures that reflect her youth.
Moments of tenderness with Kathy on the porch rekindle Elliott’s sense of familial love, reminding her of cherished memories. The following morning, she confides in Ro about her feelings for Chad, contemplating her own sexuality. Eager to introduce Chad to her friends, she leads Ro and Ruthie to the docks, where she shares a boat ride with Chad. Their laughter fills the air, yet an accident causes the boat motor to detach, spilling into the water, only to further fortify their bond.
As the afternoon unfolds, Elliott confesses her feelings for Chad—despite the warnings—deepening their connection. They find themselves once again intertwining, their budding romance flourishing. This heartfelt moment is abruptly interrupted by the emergence of Older Elliott from the trees, unveiling the consequences of their choices. Sharing her own history with Chad, she speaks of longing and loss, revealing his tragic fate that looms over their relationship. Young Elliott, defiant yet apprehensive, decides to embrace their love story, undeterred by the uncertainties that lie ahead.
The film culminates with Elliott navigating the emotional complexities of love and family, sealed with a tender kiss with Chad on their idyllic lake. As Elliott embarks on one last enchanting boat ride, she embraces the poignant journey of her youth, stepping boldly into a future shaped by love, loss, and discovery.
Elliott's Birthday Boating Excursion
Elliott, an 18-year-old girl, sets off for a birthday boating trip with her closest friends, Ruthie and Ro. The sun shines brightly on this afternoon adventure, full of excitement and the promise of memories to be made.
Spontaneous Camping Decision
As her family awaits her return to celebrate her birthday with cake, Elliott makes an impulsive decision to extend the festivities by camping under the stars with her friends. This spontaneous act sets the stage for an unforgettable night.
Encounter with Chelsea
While camping, Elliott meets Chelsea, a local barista who quickly captures her heart. This magical encounter leads to an evening filled with intimacy, where feelings and connections blossom between the two.
Exploring Psychedelic Experiences
Seeking deeper experiences, Elliott and her friends drink psychedelic mushroom tea, embarking on a surreal journey. The effects of the tea ignite a euphoric exploration of their minds, bringing laughter and whimsical movements throughout the night.
Meeting Older Elliott
Amid the psychedelic effects, Elliott encounters Older Elliott, who appears as a vision of her future self. This older version shares insights about their shared past, creating a profound moment of connection across time.
A Warning from the Future
Older Elliott provides a warning about a man named Chad, emphasizing the importance of cherishing family while cautioning her younger self about potential heartbreak. This moment weighs heavily on Elliott's romantic aspirations.
Return Home at Dawn
As the sun rises and casts beautiful hues across the sky, Elliott heads home with her friends. The realization of having missed her birthday cake softens the initial detachment she felt from her family, reigniting her appreciation for their bonds.
A Tense Encounter with Chad
Elliott encounters Chad while swimming in the lake, but his introduction sends her into a panic, reminding her of Older Elliott's warning. Feeling conflicted, she swims away, engulfed in uncertainty about her feelings.
Texting Older Elliott for Guidance
Elliott cautiously reaches out to her older self, sending a text about her encounter with Chad. The immediate response underscores the importance of heeding the warnings from her future self as she navigates her unsteady emotions.
Complicated Family Dynamics
Chad’s unexpected appearance at breakfast injects tension into the family atmosphere. Elliott's desire to distance herself from him leads to awkward interactions, highlighting the challenge of managing both family and burgeoning romance.
Confiding in Her Brothers
During a boat ride, Elliott opens up to Chad and shares her worries about familial relationships. The vulnerability shared allows for deeper connections, but it also intensifies her internal struggles regarding her feelings for him.
A Journey through the Woods
In search of clarity and answers, Elliott embarks on a solitary venture into the woods with the remaining psychedelic mushrooms. The experience merges reality with vivid hallucinations, reflecting her inner conflict and longing for understanding.
Reconnecting with Family
Moments spent with her mother, Kathy, rekindle Elliott's sense of family love and nostalgia. These tender interactions remind her of cherished memories and the importance of familial bonds as she navigates her romantic dilemmas.
Embracing Her Feelings for Chad
Elliott decides to reveal her true feelings for Chad, expressing herself despite the forewarnings. Their bond deepens, leading to signs of a budding romance filled with excitement and uncertainty.
Final Confrontation and Acceptance
Elliott faces Older Elliott again, who shares the tragic consequences of their choices. However, Elliott chooses to embrace her love story with Chad, setting the stage for her journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Elliott (Maisy Stella)
Elliott is an adventurous and inquisitive 18-year-old navigating the complexities of young adulthood. Her curiosity and desire for connection lead her to explore romance, friendship, and self-identity. Throughout the film, Elliott grapples with the tension between her carefree nature and the pressures of family expectations.
Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler)
Ruthie is one of Elliott's closest friends, embodying a playful spirit and a sense of adventure. She supports Elliott’s journey of self-discovery and engages in the whimsical experiences of youth. Her character represents the bond of friendship and the shared exploration of life's possibilities.
Ro (Kerrice Brooks)
Ro is a key friend in Elliott's life, bringing enthusiasm and spontaneity to their adventures. Her connection to the psychedelic experience symbolizes openness to exploring new realms of consciousness and understanding. Ro's character adds depth to the exploration of youth culture and freedom.
Older Elliott (Aubrey Plaza)
Older Elliott is a complex character who serves as a guide for her younger self. With experiences that shape her future, she embodies wisdom and caution, providing insights into the implications of choices. This character represents the connection between youth and maturity, highlighting the lessons learned from past decisions.
Chad (Percy Hynes White)
Chad is a charming young man who captures Elliott's attention, embodying the allure of first love and romantic complexity. His playful demeanor draws Elliott in, but underlying warnings about his character create tension. Chad represents the excitement and dangers of youthful desire.
Kathy (Maria Dizzia)
Kathy is Elliott's mother, embodying the essence of family love and the expectations that come with it. Her interactions with Elliott highlight the challenges of communication between generations. Kathy's character represents the nurturing aspect of parenthood amidst the turmoil of adolescence.
Time period
Modern Day
The film occurs in modern times, reflecting the contemporary experiences of young adults. It captures the essence of youth, freedom, and the search for identity amid pressing social expectations and personal relationships. This period is characterized by a blend of traditional family dynamics and the exploration of individual desires.
Location
Lake, Woods
The movie takes place around a serene lake, which serves as a backdrop for exploration, romance, and self-discovery. The woods nearby add an element of mystery and adventure, inviting the characters to delve into their thoughts and emotions. These natural settings are integral to the story, representing both beauty and the complexity of growing up.
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Love
The theme of love is central to the narrative, exploring both romantic and familial relationships. Elliott's journey with Chad highlights the excitement and uncertainty of young love, while her interactions with her family emphasize the importance of those bonds. The film portrays love as a driving force, prompting characters to confront their fears and desires.
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Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a pivotal theme as Elliott navigates her desires, challenges, and relationships. Her encounters with her future self, Older Elliott, serve as a catalyst for introspection, pushing her to reflect on her choices and their implications. The use of psychedelic elements symbolizes the exploration of one's inner self and understanding one's path.
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Choices
The theme of choices permeates the narrative as Elliott grapples with her feelings for Chad despite warnings from Older Elliott. Throughout the film, her decisions lead to both joy and conflict, illustrating the weight of consequences that come with youthful impulsivity. This theme underscores the complexity of growing up and making decisions that shape one's future.
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