Never Goin' Back

Never Goin' Back 2018

Made by

A24

A24

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Plot Summary


In South Texas, two high school dropouts and best friends, Angela and Jessie, find themselves working as waitresses at a nondescript diner, longing for something greater in life. To surprise Jessie on her 17th birthday, Angela makes a bold decision to spend their rent money on a trip to Galveston, eagerly anticipating a day at the beach. To offset their expenses, the duo plan to work extra shifts at the diner. However, trouble brews when Dustin, Jessie’s whimsical older brother and their roommate, squanders his share of the rent on a botched drug deal, leading to unforeseen consequences.

When Tony, a friend of Dustin’s, breaks into their home to reclaim what he believes is stolen drug money, chaos ensues. The police soon arrive, only to discover Angela’s and Jessie’s stash of illicit substances, landing the girls in hot water and subsequent arrest.

After a harrowing two days spent in juvenile detention, characterized by Jessie’s struggle with constipation, the girls finally regain their freedom, only to face a stern conversation with their boss, Roderick. On their way to do laundry, they encounter an old co-worker, Paul, who alerts them to a party hosted by their mutual friend Art Dog, where they can sneak in a wash. Little do they know, their attempt to stay sober leaves them inadvertently consuming cannabis cookies, resulting in a rather embarrassing arrival back at work, which leads Roderick, despite his fondness for them, to make the difficult decision of letting them go.

Feeling desolate, Jessie devises a plan to persuade Brandon, another roommate with a penchant for adult entertainment, to allow them to ‘borrow’ money from the cash register at his workplace while claiming he was robbed. Initially hesitant, Brandon’s capitulation comes after the girls tempt him with a dubious promise of a threesome. Entering the mix, a disguised Dustin along with his friend, Ryan, plan to recoup their losses and rob Brandon themselves. The girls are quick to disclose their financial struggles to Brandon, who reveals that the cash register holds only $50, with the bulk secured in a safe for which he lacks the key.

Unexpectedly, Brandon’s boss Mr. Dickson shows up. In a frenzied twist of events, he unwittingly traps the girls in a utility closet, leading to absurd antics when he bizarrely begins taking risqué photos involving sandwich bread. As Jessie finds herself confronting the effects of her constipation, disaster strikes—resulting in Angela’s uncontrollable reaction after witnessing the scene unfold. A moment of chaos follows when the girls capitalize on Mr. Dickson’s distraction, discovering incriminating messages on his phone that reveal his shady side. They seize the opportunity to access the safe, taking the money while leaving a threat that could just as easily unravel Mr. Dickson’s life.

Back at their shared home, while Brandon, Dustin, Ryan, and Tony are comatose from sleep, Angela and Jessie mastermind a newfound plan. They decide to leave behind enough funds to settle their rent and use the remainder for their escape to California, envisioning a brighter future. As they share their dreams, sleep overtakes them in their bed, but not before they can dream of all the possibilities that await at the beach, signaling the hope of a new beginning.

Timeline


Angela and Jessie Work at the Diner

In South Texas, best friends Angela and Jessie, both high school dropouts, find themselves working at a local diner. They spend their days serving customers while dreaming of a more fulfilling life beyond their current circumstances.

South Texas

Planning for the Birthday Surprise

To celebrate Jessie's 17th birthday, Angela decides to surprise her with a trip to Galveston, spending their rent money for the adventure. They both eagerly anticipate the beach day, hoping that it will provide a much-needed escape from their routine.

Before Jessie's 17th birthday Galveston

Dustin's Reckless Behavior

Jessie's older brother, Dustin, irresponsibly spends his share of their rent money on a failed drug deal. This reckless act sets off a chain of events that will drastically affect the girls' plans and their future.

South Texas

Break-In by Tony

Trouble escalates when Dustin's friend Tony breaks into their home, believing they have stolen drug money. The situation quickly spirals out of control, leading to a chaotic confrontation with the police.

Their Home

Arrest and Detention

The police arrive and discover Angela and Jessie's stash of illegal substances, leading to their arrest. They spend a harrowing two days in juvenile detention, where Jessie's struggle with constipation adds to their woes.

Juvenile Detention

Release and Confrontation

After being released from detention, Angela and Jessie have a stern talk with their boss, Roderick. The gravity of their situation sinks in as they realize the consequences of their actions.

Diner

Encounter with Paul

On their way to do laundry, they run into an old co-worker, Paul, who informs them about a party hosted by Art Dog. This party could be a chance for them to have some fun amidst their struggles.

South Texas

Cannabis Cookie Mishap

At the party, Angela and Jessie accidentally consume cannabis cookies, leading to an embarrassing situation when they return to work at the diner. Their altered state results in Roderick having to let them go, despite his affection for them.

Diner

Planning a Robbery

In a desperate attempt to resolve their financial woes, Jessie hatches a plan to borrow money from Brandon. They entice him with a dubious promise, hoping to alleviate their monetary troubles.

Brandon's Workplace

Discovery of Brandon's Cash Register

Brandon reveals that his cash register holds only $50, with most of the money secured in a safe. The girls learn that accessing the safe may be their best option, but they face challenges in doing so.

Brandon's Workplace

Mr. Dickson's Unexpected Arrival

Amid the chaos of their scheme, Brandon’s boss, Mr. Dickson, unexpectedly arrives. In a hilariously absurd twist, he inadvertently traps the girls in a utility closet while engaging in bizarre behavior.

Brandon's Workplace

Seizing the Opportunity

While Mr. Dickson is distracted, Angela and Jessie capitalize on the moment to check his phone. They find incriminating messages that reveal his shady activities and seize the chance to access the safe.

Brandon's Workplace

Masterminding Their Escape

Back at home, Angela and Jessie develop a plan to settle their rent and use the remaining funds to escape to California. They dream of a brighter future, motivated by their desire to leave their troubles behind.

Their Home

Dreaming of the Future

As they lay in bed, exhausted, Angela and Jessie share their dreams of life in California. Their hopes and aspirations symbolize a new beginning, filled with possibilities waiting to be realized.

Their Home

Characters


Angela (Maia Mitchell)

Angela is a determined and loyal friend who prioritizes her close bond with Jessie above all else. She's willing to take risks and make bold decisions to ensure they can enjoy a better future. Despite facing various challenges, her resilience and positivity shine through as she navigates a world filled with chaos.

👭 Friendship 🌟 Resilience 💭 Dreamer

Jessie (Camila Morrone)

Jessie is fun-loving yet often finds herself in precarious situations, showcasing a complex mix of vulnerability and strength. Her struggle with personal issues adds depth to her character, ultimately demonstrating her desire to escape her problems. Her dynamic with Angela showcases some of the best and most chaotic aspects of youthful rebellion.

🎉 Fun 🔄 Chaos 😓 Vulnerable

Brandon (Kyle Mooney)

Brandon is the quirky and hesitant roommate whose unpredictable nature adds a layer of absurdity to the story. He often finds himself embroiled in the girls' schemes, revealing a more complex personality beneath his laid-back exterior. His interactions with Angela and Jessie reveal his struggles with morality and friendship.

😜 Quirky 🏃‍♂️ Reluctant 🙈 Comedic

Dustin (Joel Allen)

Dustin is Jessie's whimsical older brother, whose carefree approach to life often lands him and his friends in trouble. His role is pivotal as he catalyzes a chain of events that lead to major conflict in the story. Dustin's character embodies the reckless behavior often associated with youth and the consequences that follow.

🎭 Reckless 🌪️ Chaotic 🧠 Comedic

Setting


Time period

Contemporary

Set in a contemporary period, the movie reflects the challenges and aspirations of today's youth. It portrays the struggles of young adults trying to navigate life, relationships, and expectations in a fast-paced world. The characters' experiences resonate with many of the pressures faced by today's society.

Location

South Texas, Galveston, California

The movie takes place in South Texas, a region known for its warm climate and vibrant culture. Galveston, a coastal city, offers beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, providing a perfect escape for the main characters. California symbolizes hope and new beginnings, embodying the aspiration for a better life away from their current struggles.

🌴 Beaches 🏙️ Urban 🌄 Dreaming

Themes


💔

Friendship

At its core, the movie explores the deep bond between Angela and Jessie, showcasing the trials and tribulations that test their friendship. Their loyalty and mutual support push them to take risks for one another, highlighting how companionship can be both uplifting and destructive. The theme emphasizes the importance of solid relationships in overcoming life's obstacles.

🚀

Dreams & Aspirations

Angela and Jessie's dream of escaping to California symbolizes the pursuit of a better life. Their journey reflects the universal desire to break free from mundane routines and achieve dreams. However, the film also portrays the harsh realities of life that can hinder these aspirations, making their quest both motivating and poignant.

⚠️

Consequences

The movie delves into the theme of consequences, as the protagonists face repercussions for their impulsive decisions. From financial struggles to legal troubles, their choices lead to a series of chaotic events. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of one's actions, reminding viewers that every decision carries weight.

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