Better Luck Tomorrow

Ben Manibag, a driven Asian American teenager, aspires to excel in three major areas: basketball, academics, and love. Living in a wealthy suburb, he aims to secure a place on the high school basketball team, win the heart of Stephanie, and gain admission to an Ivy League school.

Ben successfully makes the cut for his high school basketball team, marking a significant milestone in his aspirations. However, he quickly finds himself relegated to the bench, which begins to sow seeds of discontent about his future.

During his time on the bench, Ben meets Daric Loo, the senior valedictorian, who introduces him to an underground scheme for creating and selling cheat sheets. This pivotal moment sets Ben on a path of moral compromise as he decides to join this illicit operation.

Ben, along with his friends Virgil and Han, dives deeper into the cheating scheme, leading to unexpected profits. Their initial excitement about the money blinds them to the ethical implications of their actions and encourages further mischief.

As Ben's feelings for Stephanie deepen, he faces competition from her boyfriend, Steve Choe. Steve manipulates Ben by forcing him to escort Stephanie to the Winter Formal in exchange for keeping Ben's crush a secret.

The group's illegal activities rapidly escalate, involving stealing computer parts and drug distribution. As Ben becomes increasingly entangled in this world, he struggles to maintain his focus on academics and his aspirations.

Ben has a shocking realization during a cocaine-fueled episode that leaves him terrified and bloodied. This moment prompts him to reconsider the reckless path he has chosen and the potential consequences of his actions.

Re-focusing on his academics and rekindling feelings for Stephanie, Ben bravely invites her to the Winter Formal. Celebrating her joyful acceptance, he begins to hope for a fresh start amid his chaotic life.

Steve proposes a risky plan to rob his own parents’ house, using it as a means of revenge against Ben and his friends. Initially reluctant, Ben and Han are swept up by Daric's persuasive arguments regarding the potential pay-off.

What begins as a robbery at Steve’s parents' house quickly turns chaotic when tensions flare among the group. A violent confrontation results in Steve accidentally getting shot during a struggle, leading to calamitous outcomes for everyone involved.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the group devises a scheme to conceal Steve's body in Jesus's backyard for payment. However, unaware of his survival, they are faced with the chilling reality of their actions when Steve starts showing signs of life.

As they attempt to regain a sense of normalcy, Ben and Virgil are haunted by their crime when Steve's phone rings from the backyard. This moment forces Ben to confront the gravity of their choices and whether he should come forward.

Under immense pressure from the guilt of their actions, Virgil ultimately breaks down, leading to a failed suicide attempt. This heartbreaking event adds another layer of tragedy to the group’s already dark situation.

As the group navigates the aftermath, Daric's paranoia escalates regarding the potential betrayal from Han or Virgil. Meanwhile, Ben chooses to ignore the implications, trying to distance himself from the grim reality of their actions.

In a quiet moment with Stephanie, Ben shares a kiss that symbolizes a potential rekindling of their relationship. Despite the darkness surrounding him, this encounter provides a glimpse of hope amidst the turmoil.