Incoming (2024) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Benj, portrayed by Mason Thames, is an eager high school freshman who is excited to start a new chapter in his life, hoping to shed his old identity and pursue the affections of the stunning Bailey, played by Isabella Ferreira, who is his older sister Alyssa's (Ali Gallo) friend. Alongside his enthusiastic friends, Eddie (Ramon Reed) and Connor (Raphael Alejandro), Benj is determined to carve out his own reputation while their buddy Danah 'Koosh' Koushani, portrayed by Bardia Seiri, seeks to live up to the legacy created by his older sibling.

Dramatic twists unfold when Eddie's mother enters a new relationship with Dennis, a rather despicable character played by Scott MacArthur, who enjoys picking on Eddie. Within this bustling environment, Benj and Alyssa reside with their mother, Ms. Nielsen, characterized by Kaitlin Olson. Nostalgically, Benj recalls a time when he used to don a costume and serenade as Stevie Wonder, but he has outgrown that phase, aiming to adopt a more mature persona.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Benj’s carpool companion, Ruby, played by Thomas Barbusca, frequently appears to be impaired. Before long, Ruby roped Benj into a scheme involving the dubious sale of vitamins to skateboarders under the pretext that they are MDMA.

Pushed by Koosh's influence, the friends decide to attend a thrilling party hosted by Koosh’s older brother while their parents are away. Benj is particularly eager, envisioning a perfect opportunity to connect with Bailey once more. He narrates a fond and somewhat scandalous memory of catching Bailey alone in the kitchen late one night, a fleeting encounter that left a lasting impression.

Meanwhile, the party scene heats up with the presence of the popular girl Katrina, played by Loren Gray, who notorious for her large social media following. Unfortunately, her significant intoxication leads to humorous chaos. Meanwhile, Mr. Studebaker, portrayed by Bobby Cannavale, a recently separated teacher with none of his peers willing to engage with him, gives in to the festivities after being invited by students.

As the trio sets foot at the party, Koosh reveals a twist where only one out of the three is permitted to attend. Benj persuades Eddie and Connor to let him take the chance. Upon their arrival, Benj’s brief interaction with Bailey leaves him longing for more connection, but his attempts are thwarted when he’s soon caught amidst rowdy older students. As the night unfolds, Mr. Studebaker drunkenly stumbles his way into clumsy escapades, including accidentally igniting himself and making a splash in the swimming pool.

Complications arise when Connor, feeling bored at Eddie's house, persuades Eddie to pilfer his mother's annoying boyfriend's Tesla for a ride to the party. Their wild misadventures soon involve a comically drunk Katrina mistaking them for her Uber, leading to a disastrous Taco Bell stop where things take a grotesque turn for the worse.

In a series of unfortunate events, Benj bravely approaches Bailey with an offer of companionship over a beer. Yet, when Bailey encourages him to showcase his singing talent, Benj falters, revealing a lingering hesitation that frustrates her. Amidst the party chaos, Alyssa faces criticisms regarding her sour mood from her ex-girlfriend, while tension escalates as Ruby's shady dealings catch up with Benj, igniting conflicts that spiral into a chaotic melee.

Despite all the mayhem surrounding their high school lives, moments of affection bloom between Benj and Bailey, culminating in a passionate kiss. Yet the party's downfall sees police intervention and further turmoil as Koosh finds his own plans unraveling amidst the calamity.

The ensuing morning arrives with a slew of repercussions, where guilt and revelations wash over Benj as he confides in his sister Alyssa, who reassures him that authenticity is ultimately what Bailey appreciates. In another twist, Katrina regains memory of the night's events and expresses her gratitude to Connor and Eddie for their kind-hearted actions.

Initially rejected in a public display of affection while singing to Bailey, Benj is undeterred when she gives him a secret wink as she exits, hinting at an unspoken interest. In an unexpected turn of events, the film closes with Mr. Studebaker facing professional consequences as Principal Hutchens fires him after viral footage of his partying antics surface, leaving behind a wild and unforgettable chapter in their adolescents' lives.

In the end, Benji’s bold gesture of singing for Bailey in front of the whole school is a moment of genuine courage, even if his feelings are ultimately rejected. Bailey turns him down publicly, making him the subject of mockery, which initially seems humiliating. However, her subsequent wink suggests that she might secretly still like him, though she’s too cautious to admit it openly, perhaps because of the social pressures or her desire to maintain her image. This ambiguous ending leaves it open whether Bailey and Benji will pursue something more private or if they will simply remain in the realm of unspoken feelings. It seems that Bailey prefers to keep her love hidden to uphold her reputation, while Benji has shown that he’s willing to be vulnerable, regardless of societal expectations.

The film leaves many questions unanswered—like what exactly Bailey’s intentions are and whether these two will find their way to each other beyond the chaos of high school. Ultimately, Benji’s act of bravery signals that he’s willing to risk everything for love, even if the outcome remains uncertain. The post-credits scene hints at the broader issues within the school, showing the coach getting fired for his drunken antics at the party, highlighting the chaos and the lack of direction among the students and staff. This closing shot implies that the story of these teenagers is far from over; there’s a hint that new chapters could follow, exploring how their relationships and personal growth evolve in the aftermath of this wild night. The film’s ending underscores a central theme of youthful vulnerability and the courage to be oneself, even when faced with rejection or ridicule.