In this darkly comedic tale set in a gothic high school, the story of two teenagers, Wally and Buttercup, unfolds as they find solace at Jojo's (Keith Carradine](/actor/keith-carradine)) Diner. Here, the sharp-witted diner owner spins a captivating yarn about the enchanting yet chaotic love lives of another duo: Cherri (Sarah Silverman) and Rod (Dermot Mulroney), the crowned rulers of Echo Lake High School. With their reign unchallenged, tensions arise as Cherri's best friend, Darlene (Beverly D'Angelo), quietly harbors secret feelings for Rod, who in turn is oblivious to the affections of his loyal friend, Zip (Zak Orth).
Amidst this relational turmoil, a newcomer named Spud (Eric Gilliland) unexpectedly stumbles into trouble when his actions lead to a dent in Rod's car and an ill-fated insult directed at Cherri. This sparks a chain of events that binds Spud to Cherri through revenge plots and growing resentment following a football game. Yet, against all odds, romance blossoms between them, cloaked in secrecy as they conspire to attend prom together. But as fate would have it, Rod's jealousy spirals things out of control, leading to a tragic car accident that plunges their vehicle to the depths of Echo Lake, echoing the melancholic themes of 1950s ballads.
As we approach the story's apex, Wally’s hope for a conclusion is clashed by Buttercup and Jojo's insistence that there’s more to be told. The narrative takes a twisted turn when Rod cunningly fabricates a scandalous story to Miss Crumbles (Martha Plimpton), deceptively claiming that Spud has abducted Cherri for a wild escape to Mexico. This allows Darlene to seize the opportunity and secure her dream of becoming prom queen, leaving Rod as the only prom king. Simultaneously, the tragic fate of Cherri and Spud lingers beneath the lake’s murky surface, creating suspense around their destiny in this hauntingly humorous story of love and treachery.
As the next prom approaches, an eerie spectacle unfolds when the waterlogged car containing Cherri and Spud’s decomposed bodies resurfaces from the lake, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Their decayed forms, with skin hanging loose, roll toward the prom, hinting at a terrifying déjà vu for all in attendance. As Rod and Darlene prepare to be ceremonially crowned once again, the reanimated corpses of Cherri and Spud make a shocking entrance, their skeletal figures commanding attention amidst a parade of grotesque creatures pouring from their bodies, ravenously attacking Rod's friend Dwayne (Justin Long).
The attendees are left in a state of shock as chaos erupts, with Spud placing a crown on Cherri’s bony head, completing their reign as the most improbable prom king and queen. In the ensuing terror, Rod meets a macabre fate, consumed by the very horrors birthed from the bodies of his once dear friends, while Cherri and Spud arise victorious in their dark and twisted resurrection.
In a reflective moment at the diner, Buttercup muses on the tragic beauty of the tale, while Wally remains perplexed by its deeper meaning. Jojo provides an insightful interpretation: the love story of Cherri and Spud, though brief, transcended even death. As laughter fills the air, the return of their car signals the continuity of this chilling narrative.
Ultimately, Wally and Buttercup share a reconciling kiss, while Jojo poses a question about the validity of this bizarre chronicle. With a mere shrug, Wally admits his belief in its truth, leaving the film to close on the thought-provoking question: > "Who made up this story?"
