Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even

15-year-old Laura feels sidelined in her sprawling blended family, caught between parental loyalties and her own need for belonging. She attempts an escape by running away to Josh’s lakeside cabin, only to discover that family ties can’t be easily severed. Her arc centers on asserting herself while learning to accept the quirks and love of her relatives.

Keith is a successful and sometimes selfish businessman who is juggling a new remarriage and a brood of kids. He struggles with balancing attention between Laura and his own children, leading to clashes and a reconsideration of what family responsibilities mean. His growth comes from facing his biases and redefining his role within the blended family.

Melinda navigates the chaos of multiple marriages and a new family structure while trying to secure stability and affection for her children. Her perspective on parenting shifts as the family confronts shared pain and confusion, highlighting the delicate balance between love and practicality in a blended household.

Barbara acts as the stepmother figure within the blended family, seeking acceptance and a sense of place among the various parental roles. Her interactions with Laura reveal the challenges and potential for connection in stepfamily dynamics, illustrating the effort required to build trust.

Josh is a resentful older step-sibling who feels overshadowed by the new family setup. He tries to bridge gaps but sometimes overreaches, prompting the family to reflect on loyalty, honesty, and boundaries. His actions catalyze key moments of truth among the adults and Laura.

Corinne embodies the self-absorbed teenage energy that mirrors Laura’s fears of being seen. She forms bonds with her stepmother yet competes for attention, highlighting adolescence’s complexities within a blended family.

Kurt appears as Keith’s favorite child, adopting a militaristic, obedient persona. Beneath the exterior, he wrestles with belonging and fears disappointing his father. Through the turmoil, he learns to navigate loyalty to family and his own sense of self.

Sam is a 10-year-old genius and the youngest child from Melinda and Keith’s union. His curiosity and resilience provide a grounding presence amid the chaos, serving as a reminder that intelligence can foster connection rather than division.

Stephanie is Keith’s pregnant partner who adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics. She navigates her role within the adult hierarchy while finding her voice amidst the blended family’s upheaval.