Princess Cyd

Princess Cyd 2017

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Princess Cyd (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Cyd Loughlin, portrayed by Jessie Pinnick, is a determined and spirited 16-year-old high school soccer player who finds herself sent away from her home in Columbia, South Carolina, to spend a summer with her estranged aunt, Miranda Ruth, a warm-hearted author known for her religious fiction, in Chicago. As the initial awkwardness fades, the bond between them deepens, allowing for a journey of discovery.

Throughout the summer, Cyd and Miranda engage in various bonding activities, from dining out and taking neighborhood strolls to sunbathing in Miranda’s backyard or along the shores of Lake Michigan. As they share these moments, they begin to influence each other’s lives—Cyd grows more mature and cultured, akin to her aunt, while Miranda embraces a more relaxed attitude reminiscent of her niece. They discuss the memory of Cyd’s mother, Miranda’s sister, who passed away nine years prior, pondering if she could be waiting for them in Heaven, a topic that sparks deep contemplation, particularly as Miranda identifies herself more as an atheist, sharing her views on faith.

Amidst this backdrop, Cyd starts to explore her sexuality and develops a romantic interest in a local barista named Katie, a unique and androgynous girl adorned with a shaved Mohawk. At the same time, Miranda finds herself in a delicate situation with her colleague, Anthony, as both harbor feelings for one another but struggle to make the first move. Cyd takes it upon herself to encourage them to take a leap of faith and ask each other out.

During a lively gathering at Miranda’s home filled with friends and fellow creatives, Cyd chooses to wear a man’s tuxedo, stirring a mix of emotions as she unwittingly criticizes Miranda’s lack of a romantic life. Miranda responds with love and wisdom, saying, > “It is not a handicap to have one thing, but not another,” emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in any relationship.

The evening takes a darker turn when Katie calls Cyd, distressed and requiring support after a near assault. Cyd and Miranda come to her aid, welcoming Katie to spend the rest of the summer with them. A heartfelt connection evolves, leading Cyd and Katie to share their first intimate moment after a lovely day at the beach. Cyd reveals her tumultuous past involving her mentally unstable older brother who tragically took their mother’s life, a pain she continues to navigate while living with her grieving father.

Cyd uncovers another layer of her connection with Miranda when she learns she was named after a character in one of her aunt’s earlier novels, Princess Cydney. As the summer winds down, both Cyd and Katie promise to keep their romance alive through visits, all while supporting Miranda at her book launch event. After a final neighborhood celebration, Cyd returns to Columbia. Later, she receives an uplifting phone call from Miranda, solidifying their newfound love and connection.

Timeline

Track the key events of Princess Cyd (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Cyd's Summer Departure

Cyd Loughlin, a spirited 16-year-old soccer player, is sent from her home in Columbia, South Carolina, to spend the summer with her estranged aunt, Miranda Ruth, in Chicago. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey for both Cyd and Miranda as they navigate their complicated relationship.

Columbia, South Carolina

Initial Awkwardness

Upon arriving in Chicago, both Cyd and Miranda experience initial awkwardness due to their lack of familiarity with one another. However, as they spend time together, they begin to break down barriers, leading to a deeper bond.

Chicago, Illinois

Bonding Activities

Cyd and Miranda engage in various bonding activities including dining out, strolling through the neighborhood, and spending time at Lake Michigan. These shared experiences help build their relationship and allow Cyd to mature while influencing Miranda's more relaxed demeanor.

Lake Michigan

Memories of Cyd's Mother

During their summer together, Cyd and Miranda discuss the memory of Cyd's deceased mother, Miranda's sister. This poignant conversation deepens their understanding of each other, bringing both comfort and contemplation regarding faith and loss.

Cyd's Exploration of Sexuality

Amidst her summer adventures, Cyd begins to explore her sexuality and develops a romantic interest in a local barista named Katie. This exploration adds complexity to Cyd's character as she navigates her feelings and challenges societal norms.

Chicago, Illinois

Miranda's Romantic Tension

Miranda struggles with her feelings for her colleague, Anthony, who also harbors similar sentiments. Cyd decides to encourage their relationship, pushing both of them to take the leap and express their feelings for one another.

The Gathering at Miranda's Home

During a lively gathering at Miranda's house filled with friends and creatives, Cyd chooses to wear a man's tuxedo. This bold decision sparks discussions about respect in relationships and prompts Miranda to reflect on her own romantic life, leading to a heartwarming exchange.

Miranda's home, Chicago

Katie's Distress

The atmosphere takes a serious turn when Katie calls Cyd in distress after a near assault. Cyd and Miranda quickly come to her aid, offering support and inviting her to stay with them for the remainder of the summer, which strengthens their bond.

Cyd and Katie's Intimacy

Cyd and Katie share their first intimate moment following a lovely day at the beach, marking a significant step in their relationship. During this time, Cyd reveals her difficult past involving her brother and their mother's tragic demise, deepening their emotional connection.

Chicago, Illinois

Discovering the Family Connection

Cyd learns that she was named after a character in one of Miranda's earlier novels, Princess Cydney. This discovery creates a poignant connection between them, further solidifying their bond as aunt and niece.

Summer Promises

As the summer comes to a close, Cyd and Katie make a heartfelt promise to keep their romance alive with future visits. They express their commitment to support each other, despite the distance that will separate them once Cyd returns home.

Miranda's Book Launch

Cyd and Katie attend Miranda's book launch event, where they bolster Miranda's confidence and support her creative endeavors. The launch signifies a culmination of Miranda's hard work and serves as a celebration of their strengthened familial bond.

Chicago, Illinois

Final Neighborhood Celebration

Before Cyd heads back to Columbia, a neighborhood celebration serves as a final farewell celebration among friends, family, and newfound connections. This event encapsulates the joy and growth that transpired over Cyd's summer in Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois

Cyd's Return to Columbia

Cyd returns to her home in Columbia, reflecting on the impactful summer she spent with Miranda and Katie. The experience drastically changed her outlook on relationships and family, leaving a lasting impression.

Columbia, South Carolina

An Uplifting Call

After returning home, Cyd receives an uplifting phone call from Miranda. This conversation reassures Cyd of their continued bond and love, symbolizing the connection they developed over the summer.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Princess Cyd (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Cyd Loughlin (Jessie Pinnick)

Cyd is a spirited and determined 16-year-old soccer player, sent to Chicago to stay with her aunt. Over the summer, she grows emotionally and culturally, forming deeper connections and exploring her identity. She is resilient, grappling with past traumas while simultaneously discovering her sexuality and developing a romantic relationship with Katie.

⚽ Sports 🌱 Growth ❤️ LGBTQ+

Miranda Ruth (Rebecca Spence)

Miranda is Cyd's warm-hearted aunt and a religious fiction author who struggles with her beliefs following her sister's death. Throughout the summer, she becomes a guiding figure, encouraging Cyd’s growth and confronting her own romantic hesitations. Her character embodies love, wisdom, and the complexity of familial bonds.

📚 Creativity 💖 Family 🤔 Philosophy

Katie Sauter (Malic White)

Katie is an androgynous local barista who captures Cyd's interest. She is portrayed as unique and bold, influencing Cyd's exploration of her sexuality. Katie's character adds a layer of complexity to the storyline, particularly after she faces a threatening situation, leading to a deep bond with Cyd.

☕ Romance 💪 Strength 🌈 Identity

Anthony James (James Vincent Meredith)

Anthony is Miranda's colleague who shares a mutual attraction with her but struggles with expressing his feelings. His character represents the theme of hesitant romance, adding complexity to Miranda's storyline as she navigates her desires and past experiences.

💔 Hesitation 📖 Creativity 🌱 Growth

Setting

Uncover the settings of Princess Cyd (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The story unfolds during a summer, a time typically associated with freedom and growth for teenagers. It is a period allowing Cyd to explore her identity, relationships, and personal challenges while she navigates her time away from home. The emotional landscape reflects a search for connection and understanding amidst life changes.

Location

Columbia, South Carolina, Chicago, Lake Michigan

The movie takes place in Columbia, South Carolina, where Cyd comes from, and Chicago, where her aunt Miranda resides. Chicago is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and a rich literary scene, highlighted by Miranda's work as an author. The shores of Lake Michigan serve as a picturesque backdrop for Cyd and Miranda's bonding moments, embodying the calm and complexity of their evolving relationship.

🏙️ City 🌊 Nature 📚 Literature

Themes

Explore the core themes of Princess Cyd (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Loss and Grief

The theme of loss permeates the narrative, illustrated through Cyd's reflections on her deceased mother and the impact it has on her family. Cyd's journey of understanding her mother's death and Miranda's atheism adds depth to their bond, as they navigate their grief in different ways while supporting each other. This theme highlights the importance of shared experiences in healing.

💞

Love and Discovery

Love takes many forms in the movie, from familial bonds between Cyd and Miranda to the budding romantic connection between Cyd and Katie. Their summer together fosters self-discovery, as Cyd learns more about her own identity and desires. The encouragement and patience displayed between characters reveal the complexities and beauty of love in various forms.

🌈

Identity Exploration

Cyd's exploration of her sexuality is a pivotal theme, mirroring her journey toward self-acceptance. The relationship with Katie becomes a space for Cyd to express herself authentically while navigating the complexities of teenage emotions. The film portrays various aspects of identity, including familial and romantic, highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self.

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