Drea, played by Camila Mendes, is a prominent student on a scholarship at Rosehill Country Day High School in sunny Miami. Her life takes a nosedive when her popular boyfriend, Max (Austin Abrams), maliciously shares an intimate video of her, claiming that his phone was hacked. This act of betrayal not only ostracizes Drea from her peers but also jeopardizes her dreams of Yale, a goal she holds dearer than anything else.
At Rosehill, Drea faces a myriad of challenges alongside her fellow classmates, including Ariana, Sage, and Alaska. The headmaster, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, imposes probation on Drea after she reacts violently towards Max, further complicating her situation. While her mother’s career as a nurse leaves Drea unable to transfer schools, she becomes reliant on her scholarship to maintain her path to Yale.
Over the summer, she finds herself at a tennis camp, where she meets Eleanor (Maya Hawke), a new girl who also knows the sting of humiliation. Eleanor shares her story of being labeled an outcast after a rumor spread about her. These two unite in their shared experiences and decide to take vengeance against their tormentors: Drea targets Carissa, who spread the rumor about Eleanor, while Eleanor sets her sights on Max.
With a clever makeover and a plan in motion, Eleanor starts infiltrating Drea's old social circle, while Drea finds a way to get close to Carissa through volunteering. As the stakes rise, secrets come to the surface, including Max cheating on Tara at a party. Unbeknownst to him, Drea and Eleanor are working together to expose him and enact their revenge. Drea goes as far as to plant drugs from the greenhouse she discovers, which is filled with illicit substances.
The chaos escalates at the Valentine's Day assembly, leading to failed attempts to reveal Max's true nature. Meanwhile, Drea's academic future hangs in the balance as her grades slip and her reputation suffers from his treachery. As they head toward the upcoming Admissions Party—the only event where their Ivy League dreams could be achieved—Drea's anger and despair lead her to devise increasingly dangerous plans.
In an unexpected twist, Eleanor reveals to Drea that she has been playing her, aiming to make her feel the same anguish caused by the rumor years ago. The confrontation leads them both toward complicated schemes and moral dilemmas that put their friendship to the test. Drea's confrontation with her past and Eleanor's manipulations reach a boiling point when secrets unravel at the Admissions Party.
Ultimately, their plots culminate in a dramatic confrontation with Max, where the truth comes to light. In a moment of courage, Drea decides to confront the complexities of her choices, choosing friendship over vengeance. The film closes on a note of reconciliation, showcasing personal growth and leaving the past behind as they drive away, hinting at a new beginning.
In a post-credit scene, viewers get a glimpse of Drea seeking forgiveness from Russ (Rish Shah), and hope for Eleanor's reconciliation with Gabbi (Talia Ryder), while Max faces the consequences of his actions by joining a support group.
