Alex Strangelove

Year: 2018

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Craig Johnson

DramaComedy

Navigating his final year of high school, Alex Truelove finds himself questioning his relationships when a charming new student, Elliot, enters the picture. Torn between his girlfriend, Claire, and these unexpected feelings, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film explores the often-confusing realities of love, sexuality, and the evolving dynamics of friendship during a pivotal moment in his life.

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Alex Strangelove (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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High school student Alex Truelove has built a strong friendship with Claire, but things take an emotional turn when Claire discovers that her mother is undergoing tests for cancer. In a moment of vulnerability, Alex comforts Claire, and their bond deepens when they share a kiss that sparks a romantic relationship. Feeling pressured by his friends over his virginity, Alex and Claire decide to book a hotel room to lose their virginity together for the first time.

At a lively party, Alex encounters Elliot, an openly gay teenager who has developed a significant crush on Alex. As they interact more, Alex begins to question his own sexuality. He confides in his friend Dell, admitting that he thinks he might be bisexual. However, Dell reassures him, suggesting that Alex’s feelings stem from his nervousness about being intimate with Claire rather than a genuine sexual orientation. One fateful day, while hanging out in Elliot’s room, Alex kisses him but instantly regrets it, leading to a hasty exit from the situation.

As the night of his planned sexual encounter with Claire arrives, Alex unexpectedly reveals his feelings for someone else, resulting in Claire throwing him out in shock. Trying to escape his emotions, Alex attends another party where he drunkenly hooks up with a girl he’s just met. When Claire discovers them together, she runs away, prompting Alex to chase after her but ultimately falling into a swimming pool. This incident forces him to confront painful childhood memories. Claire finds him there, and it’s in that moment that Alex musters the courage to reveal the truth about his sexuality, confessing that he is gay, yet they agree to attend prom together despite the turmoil.

Prom night arrives, and Claire surprises Alex by inviting Elliot to be his date, understanding that both boys would need a little push to act on their mutual feelings. Initially worried about how everyone will react, Alex ultimately embraces his feelings for Elliot, culminating in a heartfelt kiss in front of their peers.

The journey concludes with Alex and Claire creating a video together, chronicling his brave coming out story, symbolizing a new chapter in his life filled with honesty and acceptance.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:06

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