A Girl Like Her

Fifteen-year-old Jessica, emotionally overwhelmed, makes a heartbreaking decision to end her life by taking a handful of pills from her mother's cabinet. Her deep personal struggles lead her to this tragic moment, highlighting the severity of her feelings and isolation.

After Jessica's mother finds her unconscious, she swiftly calls for help, leading to an urgent rush to the hospital. This unsettling event underscores the gravity of Jessica's situation and marks the beginning of her fight for survival.

The recognition of Jessica's high school as one of the top ten public schools in the nation prompts filmmaker Amy Gallagher to create a documentary about the school's culture. Little does she know, her project will soon delve into serious issues surrounding mental health and bullying.

As word spreads about Jessica's suicide attempt, the documentary captures the emotional reactions of her classmates. Through interviews, it is revealed that Jessica's struggles were significantly influenced by relentless bullying from her former best friend, Avery.

Miss Gallagher's interviews uncover that the bullying began in junior high when Jessica denied Avery the chance to cheat on a test. This pivotal moment marked the start of a toxic relationship that would haunt Jessica for years.

Jessica's best friend, Brian, reveals the extent of bullying that Jessica has endured through the years. He provides vital context about their relationship, shedding light on the harassment that many of their peers were unaware of.

Confronted about her behavior, Avery brushes aside accusations of bullying, claiming that Jessica and she simply grew apart. However, her defensive stance further complicates the narrative involving their troubled friendship.

In an attempt to counter the backlash from the documentary, Avery shares a video diary of her life. However, her footage unintentionally reveals her family's turmoil, showcasing the chaotic environment that contributes to her own struggles.

Brian confesses to having secretly recorded Avery's bullying behavior with a hidden camera. This shocking admission unveils harrowing footage that demonstrates the severity of Avery's emotional and physical torment against Jessica.

As Jessica battles for her life, her classmates rally in support of her, reflecting the community's emotional engagement in her plight. The awareness raised prompts discussions concerning bullying and mental health within the school.

As the situation escalates, Avery's reputational standing crumbles as classmates begin to realize her role in Jessica's suffering. Overwhelmed, she lashes out online, further exposing her fragile emotional state and misunderstanding of the crisis.

In a tense moment at the hospital, Jessica’s condition worsens as her heartbeat fades. This devastating scene leaves her parents and the documentary crew in turmoil, capturing the urgency of life-hanging moments.

While watching the recorded footage of her bullying, Avery experiences a profound moment of remorse. Filled with guilt, she acknowledges her actions and declares, 'My name is Avery Keller, and I’m a bully,' seeking forgiveness.

In a pivotal moment, medical professionals perform a life-saving intervention that revives Jessica's pulse. This turning point restores hope, symbolizing not only her chance at survival but also a reminder of the fragility of youth.

As the film concludes, Jessica gradually regains consciousness, her eyes locking onto the camera. This moment not only signifies her fight for life but also serves as a powerful message about the urgent need for empathy and understanding amidst adolescent turmoil.