As the story unfolds, the narration introduces us to the profound impact of life's pivotal moments, illustrated through a montage of cherished memories between a couple. This sets the stage for Tessa (played by Josephine Langford), who is on the brink of a significant life transformation.
As Tessa empties her childhood room, she bids farewell to her past. Her mother, Carol (Selma Blair), and her boyfriend, Noah (Dylan Arnold), gather in the kitchen for a heartfelt goodbye. Carol, unwittingly clumsy in her well-meaning advice, tries to prepare Tessa for her college journey. Meanwhile, Noah offers his support in helping Tessa adapt, emphasizing their deep bond.
The trio embarks on a scenic drive, ultimately arriving at the gates of Tessa's university. As they navigate through the busy dormitories in search of room B-22, tensions rise, particularly as Carol expresses her worries regarding Tessa’s new roommate, Steph (Khadijha Red Thunder). The atmosphere thickens with noise and a faint aroma of marijuana emanating from the room.
Carol's anxiety reaches a peak, leading her to demand Tessa switch rooms, fearing unwholesome distractions might hinder Tessa's studies. However, Tessa confidently reassures Carol of her ability to handle her new surroundings. With her mother's departure, a chapter closes, ushering Tessa into independence.
Once settled in, Tristan (Pia Mia) abruptly disappears, leaving Tessa to bond with Steph about the awkward farewell and Noah’s lingering presence. As night falls, Tessa adjusts to her new environment, immersed in her extensive collection of books. A conversation with Noah foreshadows the challenges awaiting her as her first college day approaches.
The dawn brings clarity, and Tessa arrives early for her first Economics class, bumping into Landon (Shane Paul McGhie). They share a conversation filled with mutual excitement for the semester’s start. Later, when Tessa returns to her dorm after a shower, she finds a surprise—a young man casually sitting on Steph's bed, deeply engrossed in a book. Startled, Tessa tries to reclaim her personal space as the laid-back stranger calmly insists he’s in the right place.
Steph arrives, complicating Tessa’s discomfort as she smoothly transitions into casual plans for the evening with the boy. He hands her F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, forewarning her about its twists while Tessa astutely points out the nature of deception interwoven in its narrative. The boy departs, leaving Tessa contemplating the peculiar encounter.
The progression of the day sees Tessa entrenched in her studies at a campus coffee shop, oblivious to the looming presence of Hardin (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin), who walks in with friends. Their eyes meet briefly, an unspoken moment shared before he leaves. This interlude shifts Tessa's focus to Steph, who invites her to a lively frat party that evening.
While preparing for the party, Steph helps Tessa choose a stunning maroon dress, and together, they step into the vibrant atmosphere of the gathering. Inside, familiar faces and new acquaintances, including Zed (Samuel Larsen), Jace (Swen Temmel), and Molly (Inanna Sarkis), create an electric energy. Tessa, drawn into the group's dynamics, opens up about her ambitions when Zed inquires about her studies.
As the party unfolds, a game of Truth or Dare leads Tessa into uncomfortable territory, culminating in a dare that forces her to engage with Hardin. The situation ignites tension, leaving her torn between apprehension and curiosity. Just when the challenges escalate, a humorous comment from Hardin as he meets her gaze, adds to the complexity of their budding interaction, leaving Tessa caught between her established relationship with Noah and the undeniable chemistry with Hardin.
Moments later, Tessa finds herself seeking a quiet space only to stumble upon more unanticipated tension, revealing Hardin as an enigma wrapped in introspection. The duality of her experiences—juxtaposed between Hardin’s charm and her relationship with Noah—becomes increasingly palpable, as her emotional landscape begins to shift.
Their involvement deepens throughout their shared moments, leading Tessa to confront many issues: familial expectations, the turbulence of young love, and the quest for personal identity. This journey through college life becomes one of self-discovery marked by connection and disillusionment.
As Tessa's narrative continues to unfold, each encounter, gathering, and personal reflection extracts deeper aspects of love, friendship, and individual growth, paving the way to a poignant exploration of life's unpredictable twists and turns amidst the backdrop of budding romance and lasting consequences.
