Angus

Angus Bethune, a talented 14-year-old, endures relentless harassment from Rick Sanford and his cohorts for not fitting in. The abuse follows him through his school years in Minnesota, eroding his confidence and making him self-conscious about his talents. He longs to be treated as normal while secretly fearing the next humiliation.

Tired of the harassment, Angus applies to a magnet school hoping for a fresh start and a chance to be valued for his abilities. He expects a calmer environment where his science and football talents can shine. The move also sets the stage for Rick's attempts to maintain control and punish any change.

Rick engineers the Freshman Winter Ball election to pair Angus and Melissa as King and Queen, turning the event into a public humiliation. The plan hinges on the school’s traditions to trap Angus in a moment of embarrassment. The principal's warning underscores the consequences of any misstep.

The principal forbids Angus from laying a hand on Rick or he will be expelled, raising the stakes for the upcoming Ball. This ultimatum gives Rick's group a dangerous edge and fuels Angus's resolve to confront them despite the risk. The threat amplifies the tension surrounding the dance.

Angus starts dancing lessons with Madame Rulenska in preparation for the Ball, but the sessions are awkward and progress is slow. His family—his mother Meg and his narcoleptic grandfather Ivan—offer encouragement and stubborn support. The lessons highlight Angus's insecurity about fitting in and his desire to change.

Ivan purchases a plum suit for Angus instead of the requested black tuxedo and asserts that Angus can be both normal and an individual. He argues that running away to a different school won't solve anything and urges Angus to stand up to Rick. The plum suit becomes a symbol of Angus's decision to face the bully.

After school, Rick and his crew abduct Troy to coerce him into embarrassing Angus at the Ball. Troy refuses to help, but during the escape he ends up breaking his arm. The incident foreshadows the collision of loyalties at the dance.

Angus helps Ivan prepare for his wedding to April, but Ivan dies on the day of the ceremony. Angus discovers the death when he tries to wake him and informs the wedding guests. The loss hits him hard and he withdraws for a time.

Distraught by Ivan's death, Angus stays home for several days to grieve and regroup. He feels the weight of Rick's looming bullying while trying to find a way to move forward. The quiet period heightens the sense that change may be on the horizon.

Troy hands Rick a videotape with footage of Angus practicing his dance with an inflatable doll and confessing his feelings for Melissa. The revelation is used to embarrass Angus again and fuels Rick's bullying. The ownership of the tape strains friendships and trust.

Angus rejects an interview from the magnet school and resolves to face Rick at the Ball. A package from April arrives containing the plum suit, reinforcing his decision to stand up for himself. He prepares to attend the Ball wearing the plum suit as a statement of self-acceptance.

At the Winter Ball, Rick broadcasts the humiliating tape, causing Melissa to cry. Angus defends Melissa as the crowd begins to turn against Rick, and Troy retaliates with a physical strike against Rick. Melissa confesses she is bulimic and likes Angus, and they share a dance; Angus chooses to stay at his current school and stand up for himself, ending Rick's dominance as the crowd cheers.