10E (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Tennie is a 17-year-old high school student dealing with the recent loss of her mother while navigating the challenges of adolescence. She possesses sharp wit and resilience but often feels misunderstood, especially in her relationship with her father, Robert. Her journey involves dealing with rumors, friendships, and the path toward self-acceptance.

• tennie
• main character
• teenager
• grief
• daughter

Robert is Tennie's father, a former advertising executive who is struggling to reconnect with his daughter after the loss of his wife. He deals with his own grief while trying to understand the complexities of being a parent to a teenager. His character arc focuses on growth, vulnerability, and learning to bridge the emotional gap with Tennie.

• robert
• father
• parent
• grief
• widower

The film explores the theme of family struggles through Tennie and Robert's strained relationship following the mother's death. Their journey highlights the difficulty of communication and understanding in families dealing with grief and change. The emotional distance between father and daughter, along with their efforts to reconnect, adds depth to their character arcs.

• family
• grief
• father-daughter
• communication
• loss

The coming-of-age theme follows Tennie as she navigates adolescence, dealing with love, friendship, and self-identity. Her experiences resonate with viewers as she faces typical teenage challenges. The prom serves as a pivotal event symbolizing both the challenges and milestones of youth.

• coming of age
• adolescence
• teen
• prom
• growing up

The theme of rumors and reputation significantly shapes Tennie's high school experience. After false claims spread about her, she struggles to reclaim her image. The film addresses how social perceptions impact self-worth, underscoring the importance of integrity and personal strength in overcoming adversity.

• rumors
• reputation
• high school
• social pressure
• bullying

The movie is set in Glendale, California, a vibrant suburban city in the Los Angeles area. Glendale is known for its diverse culture and community, featuring residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, and parks. The setting provides a contemporary suburban backdrop that reflects modern family dynamics and teenage life.

• glendale
• california
• setting
• location
• suburban

The movie is set in present day, capturing contemporary teenage challenges and familial relationships. This time period reflects modern societal issues, including the impact of social media and the complexities of teenage life against the backdrop of evolving family dynamics.

• present day
• modern
• contemporary
• time period

Jason is Tennie's ex-boyfriend whose actions trigger the rumors surrounding her reputation. His motivations stem from jealousy and teenage emotional turmoil. He serves as a contrasting element to Tennie's struggle, highlighting the pressures teens face in social situations and the consequences of impulsive actions.

• jason
• ex-boyfriend
• antagonist
• rumors
• teenage conflict

Michelle is one of Tennie's closest friends who provides support during her challenging times. She represents loyalty and friendship, often acting as a sounding board for Tennie's feelings about her father. Her character embodies the importance of camaraderie in overcoming personal difficulties.

• michelle
• friend
• support
• loyalty
• friendship

The relationship between Tennie and Robert is defined by emotional distance and the challenge of reconnecting after losing their wife and mother. Robert's attempts at bonding are often awkward and misguided, leading to humorous misunderstandings. Through their journey, they confront their differences and ultimately find a deeper understanding of one another.

• father-daughter
• relationship
• bonding
• misunderstanding
• reconciliation