In the bustling principal's office of Hemlock Prep Academy, Lona Skinner finds herself in deep contemplation about her disdain for her only debate club member, Bennet Russell. As they vie for the prestigious title of president of their two-person debate club—an opportunity that promises to enhance their college applications, with Lona aiming for Harvard and Bennet for Yale—the principal unexpectedly appoints them as co-presidents, much to their dismay.
At the highly-anticipated debate tournament, tensions run high as Lona's mother, Amy, and Bennet's mother, Julia, engage in a passive-aggressive exchange. Both Lona and Bennet excel, ultimately reaching the finals and being named co-champions due to their shared school affiliation. Following the tournament, the two submit their college applications, each with their hopes set high for their dream schools.
Despite Lona's protests, her mother continues to prepare a homecoming dress for her, which ultimately does not come to fruition as Lona sneaks out to catch a movie. There, she runs into Bennet, who is also awkwardly dressed for the dance. Instead of returning home as planned, they choose to enjoy fast food by the waterfront, deepening their connection.
The tension resurfaces at the regional qualifying tournament, where Julia is supposed to speak but is interrupted by Amy's heckling. During a moment of shared frustration with their mothers, Lona and Bennet confide in their school guidance counselor, Kathy (portrayed by Helen Hunt), about the impact their mothers have on their performance, claiming they would have qualified for the state championship if not for their interference. Kathy suggests working collaboratively to overcome their challenges, although both are initially resistant.
Through a clever ruse, Bennet persuades Lona to join forces, and their study sessions lead to a successful qualification for the state championship. However, as the pressures of college applications loom large, they vow to enjoy the journey ahead, with Kathy encouraging them to prioritize fun over the outcome. But when the results arrive that evening, disappointment strikes as neither achieve entrance into their desired institutions, prompting Julia to attempt to leverage her connections for Bennet's acceptance into Yale, which only serves to alienate him further.
Tragedy soon strikes when they learn of Kathy's untimely death in a car accident, bringing Lona and Bennet closer together at her funeral. After sharing comforting milkshakes and fries, they reveal to one another how their high school experience has largely been consumed by academic pressures and extracurricular obligations rather than embracing the joys of teenage life.
Determined to honor Kathy's memory, the duo decides to carry on with their preparations for the state championship, slowly forming a genuine friendship over cookies baked by Lona’s mother. As their bond deepens, they share their first kiss just two days before the tournament, but Lona retracts, feeling unsure about how to navigate their newfound relationship.
When the day of the state championship arrives, they find themselves in the final round against opponents who prioritize emotional resonance over factual assertions. Although Lona stumbles initially during her speech, she finds her footing thanks to a heartfelt note from Bennet that echoes Kathy's spirit. In a symbolic act of unity, Lona and Bennet choose to agree with their opponents, resulting in a loss but marking the beginning of their romantic relationship.
On prom night, while their mothers prepare them for the event, it is revealed that Lona has made it into Yale while Bennet has gained acceptance to Harvard. Choosing to embrace their connection, they forgo the dance in favor of a movie night, allowing Lona to reflect internally on just how deep her feelings for him truly run.
