Chlorine

During a swim meet at Copper Canyon Country Club, Cynthia experiences her first period. This unexpected event leads to her disqualification from the competition, marking a significant moment in her life as she navigates the challenges of adolescence.

Cynthia's mother, Georgie, arrives at the swim meet on her motorcycle, but she unfortunately misses the crucial moment of her daughter's disqualification. This sets the tone for Georgie's character as an active and somewhat carefree mother.

Cynthia's brother, Henry, faces pressure at his construction job when his boss, Ernie, instructs him to ignore safety codes. This signifies the ongoing struggle within the family as they try to maintain their financial stability amidst unethical work demands.

Roger Lent, Cynthia's father, is denied a long-awaited promotion at the bank after dedicating over 20 years of his life to the job. His boss, Ted, informs him that he is not generating enough profit, illustrating the financial strain on the family.

Georgie expresses her dissatisfaction with their ordinary life, feeling the pressure to compete with friends living in luxury. She encourages Roger to strive harder in his career, demonstrating her strong desire for a better lifestyle.

Suzi, Cynthia's beautiful friend on the swim team, beams with excitement for Cynthia's new experiences and offers unsolicited advice on relationships and sex. This dynamic showcases teenage friendships and the often overwhelming exchange of perspectives during adolescence.

Josh, a boy from the swim team, starts showing interest in Cynthia, hinting at the beginning of a teenage romance. Meanwhile, Pat, the tennis pro, exhibits inappropriate behavior towards Suzi, adding tension and complexity to the social interactions at the club.

Doug, the housing developer for Copper Canyon Estates, hosts a lavish party with his attractive wife, Katherine. Georgie urges Roger to attend, hinting at the social and professional networking opportunities that could come from mingling with wealthy individuals.

Elise, a former Wall Street professional turned golf pro at the club, warns Roger about the ethical issues surrounding the housing development. She reveals that the project is a Ponzi scheme built on sacred Native American land, forcing Roger to confront his moral dilemmas.

Faced with a choice between advancing his career and risking legal troubles, Roger must decide whether to participate in the unethical dealings of the housing project. This moment encapsulates the crossroads of ambition and morality in the film.

The family dynamics become increasingly strained as they grapple with their financial difficulties and aspirations. Each member must decide what they truly want from life and what compromises they are willing to make.

As Cynthia and Josh navigate their budding relationship, they face the challenges of young love in a complex environment. Their interactions reflect the innocence and confusion that often accompany first crushes and romantic experiences.

Suzi's quest for material possessions and social status emphasizes the teenage preoccupation with wealth and image. Her actions underline the pressures young individuals face in pursuit of societal acceptance.

Throughout the film, each character embodies themes of ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of a better life. Their journeys highlight the complexities of navigating adult choices while remaining in the realm of adolescence.