About Cherry

Year: 2012

Runtime: 102 min

Drama

A young woman escapes a stifling life in Los Angeles and finds herself drawn to the adult film industry in San Francisco. As she embraces this new world, she confronts a complicated past and the challenges of navigating relationships with a diverse group of people. The film explores themes of identity, escape, and the secrets that can threaten even the most carefully constructed facades, featuring performances by Ashley Hinshaw, Lili Taylor, Jonny Weston, Dev Patel, James Franco, and Heather Graham.

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About Cherry (2012) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of About Cherry (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the heart of her teenage years, Angelina (played by Ashley Hinshaw) grapples with the pull between the simplistic joys of high school and the alluring possibility of autonomy. Her boyfriend, Bobby (Weston), presents a rather unconventional idea: to immortalize her beauty through a series of suggestive photographs. Initially hesitant, she eventually gives in to his wishes. The financial rewards from this bold endeavor enable Angelina to break free from her humdrum existence and embark on an exciting escapade with her best friend, Andrew (played by Dev Patel), in the vibrant city of San Francisco.

Upon their arrival, Angelina finds herself immersed in a realm of affluence and extravagance, largely thanks to the charming Francis (portrayed by James Franco), a wealthy attorney who beckons her into his lavish lifestyle filled with opulent parties and high-fashion attire. Yet, it is Margaret (played by Heather Graham), a former adult film star turned director, who acts as the pivotal force propelling Angelina into the San Francisco porn industry, adopting the alias Cherry.

As Angelina meanders through this uncharted territory, she produces a series of soft-core films that pave the way to her eventual leap into hardcore productions. However, the fallout from her decisions arrives swiftly when Francis, who was once captivated by her, criticizes her choices and soon finds himself in a car accident that sends shockwaves through Angelina’s world.

Seeking comfort after this turmoil, Angelina returns home only to stumble upon Andrew watching one of her films, igniting a fiery argument that compels her to leave. Following this confrontation, she reunites with Margaret at a bar, where their chemistry reignites, leading them back to Margaret’s apartment for a steamy rendezvous.

As the narrative unfolds, we see Angelina embracing her fresh start in life, having moved in with Margaret and fully committing to her new identity as a porn director. This pivotal moment marks a significant transformation in both her career and personal life, setting her on a path that will forever change her future.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 13:16

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The narrative follows a character's decisive act of leaving a damaging family situation. The escape is the catalyst for the entire plot, leading the protagonist into a new, often perilous, world where they must build a new identity. The resolution acknowledges the necessity of the escape but is tinged with melancholy over the relationships severed and the hardships endured.

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