Darby and the Dead

At the tender age of seven, Darby Harper experiences a traumatic event as she and her mother are swept away by a devastating surge. This tragedy leads to the loss of her mother, leaving an indelible mark on Darby's psyche and gifting her with the ability to see restless spirits.

After being brought back to life, Darby realizes she can engage with spirits from the afterlife. Embracing this peculiar talent, she finds herself drawn to helping lost souls resolve their unfinished earthly matters, marking the beginning of a unique side business.

As Darby delves deeper into her ghostly consultations, she becomes increasingly isolated from her peers, particularly from her former friend Capri. The only constant in her life becomes Gary, the retired school janitor who is also a spirit waiting for his wife.

The arrival of Alex, the charming school mascot, disrupts Darby's carefully constructed walls. His affable nature begins to break through her defenses, stirring complex feelings within her and intensifying the existing tensions with Capri.

Tragedy strikes when Capri's life is abruptly taken from her in a freak hair-styling accident involving electrocution. This sudden loss sends shockwaves through Darby's life, as she starts receiving haunting visions of Capri's spirit seeking guidance.

Haunted by Capri's ghost, Darby reluctantly agrees to help organize a birthday party for her friend. This request thrusts her into an unusual social situation where she must balance her feelings for Alex and Capri's ghostly demands.

With Capri's encouragement, Darby approaches her peers to celebrate her birthday. The party evolves into a tribute to Capri, filled with joy and laughter, helping Darby to navigate her grief while allowing her friends to honor their lost companion.

Despite experiencing a budding romance with James, who supports her during this tough time, rumors of their relationship begin to circulate. As Darby gains popularity, she struggles with the idea of losing her connection with Capri and the rest of her friends.

Capri, now a ghost, wrestles with feelings of jealousy over Darby's newfound attention and companionship at school. This frustration leads her to haunt James in an effort to sever his ties with Darby, complicating their relationships even further.

On the night of the party, Darby confronts Capri when she discovers her using a Ouija board to communicate with James. This shocking encounter prompts Darby to reveal her true self to her peers, shedding light on her insecurities and loneliness.

After the confrontation, Capri seeks forgiveness from Darby, leading to a renewed bond between the two. As Darby faces her adolescent struggles, Capri finds peace in watching her friend navigate life, allowing her spirit to move on.

As the story unfolds, Darby reestablishes her place in the cheerleading squad and reconnects with her teammates. This new sense of acceptance allows her to embrace her uniqueness and the relationships around her while reflecting on Capri's influence.

In the aftermath of Capri's departure to the afterlife, Darby learns that Gary has also been able to see ghosts. The two form a bond based on their shared abilities, choosing to explore the world of spirits together, continuing their unique ventures.

In the film's closing moments, Darby finds solace in maintaining a friendship with James while coming to terms with the changes in her life. Despite the haunting memories of the past, a new sense of normalcy emerges, signifying personal growth for Darby.