Year: 2017
Runtime: 95 mins
Language: English
Director: Sean Cisterna
This romantic drama tells the story of Carley Allison, an 18-year-old figure skater and singer whose life takes an unexpected turn. She faces a rare and challenging medical journey when diagnosed with a sarcoma, a condition with odds of just 1 in 3.5 billion. The film explores her fight and the impact it has on her dreams and relationships.
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Carley Allison Sarah Fisher is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater in Toronto who lives by a motto that shaped her outlook: “always smile” or “find a reason to be happy.” She seems to have it all: she’s working toward a spot on Canada’s national team, she loves singing, and she treasures her family and friends. At a party, she meets John Servinis Luke Bilyk, a kind and supportive classmate from biology, and their connection feels real from the start.
But life takes a sharp turn when Carley begins to feel sick and struggles for air, a problem initially chalked up to asthma. The inhaler doesn’t help, and after a series of medical tests, she collapses on a date with John. In the hospital, doctors reveal a rare cancerous tumor (melanoma) outside her trachea. Faced with a daunting diagnosis, Carley undergoes tracheal surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy, determined to beat the illness and keep moving forward.
Throughout it all, Carley Allison Sarah Fisher’s spirit stays resilient. She confronts this setback with unwavering optimism, often balancing gravity with humor. She embodies the mindset to face hardship head-on, even joking about the challenging moments and the body changes that come with treatment. > “this little setback in my life”
Her family stands beside her, offering love and levity as they navigate difficult days. Her father Mark Allison Sergio Di Zio and her mother May Allison Chantal Kreviazuk are steady presences, turning moments of fear into opportunities for connection and warmth. As John helps at home—staying over to cook and support—he makes a declaration of love, and the couple faces the rollercoaster of illness together, drawing strength from each other.
The battle takes another toll when Carley loses a lock of hair during chemotherapy, a poignant reminder of what she’s enduring. She documents the journey in a bald vlog, and soon after, John surprises her with a prom invitation delivered outside her window, accompanied by a drum set. They return to the rink so she can teach him to skate, and in the midst of this moment, she encounters two former skating teammates and receives encouragement, including a supportive message from Selena Gomez on social media.
Back at school, Carley’s return is met with an outpouring of love and supportive messages. She participates in a televised interview where she shares her approach to cancer—staying proactive and moving forward, refusing to let the illness define her. John and Carley attend the prom together, their bond deepening in the moment, and they share a meaningful intimacy for the first time.
As the months pass, Carley’s hair grows back and doctors reveal that the tumor has been removed. She steps back onto the ice and is given the chance to perform publicly, including singing “O Canada” to open a televised NHL game. John brings his Greek family to share a home-cooked dinner, celebrating everyday life and the support that sustains them.
Yet hope is shadowed again when Carley is rediagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs. The couple reaffirm their love, but, tragically, Carley succumbs to the disease later that year at the age of 19. In the wake of her passing, Carley’s Angels Foundation is established to help cover the high medical costs associated with her fight, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire generosity and resilience.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:53
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of resilience and love in the face of life-altering medical diagnoses.If you were moved by the hopeful spirit and resilience in Kiss and Cry, you'll find similar emotional journeys in this collection. These movies explore the impact of serious illness on young lives, emphasizing family bonds, young love, and the inspirational fight to maintain hope and build a lasting legacy.
These narratives typically follow a linear progression from diagnosis to treatment and its aftermath, centering on a protagonist whose inner strength is tested. The conflict is often internal—the battle against despair—as much as it is physical. Support systems like family and romance play a crucial role, and the story ultimately focuses on the legacy of a life lived fully, regardless of the outcome.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the inspirational aspects of a medical crisis. They balance heavy emotional themes with an uplifting, hopeful tone, creating a viewing experience that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The pacing is steady and character-driven, allowing the audience to fully connect with the protagonist's journey.
Emotional stories where profound loss is balanced by an enduring sense of hope.For viewers who appreciated how Kiss and Cry balanced a sad ending with an inspirational message, this group features similar movies. Discover other stories where characters face tragic circumstances, but the films ultimately focus on love, legacy, and the hopeful light that persists, offering a deeply moving yet uplifting experience.
The narrative pattern involves a protagonist whose life is cut short or fundamentally altered by a tragic event, often an illness. The story spends significant time showcasing their vibrant life, dreams, and relationships. The climax is the acceptance of the tragedy, but the resolution focuses on the positive ripple effects—the memories, the lessons, or the foundations left behind—that transform grief into a source of inspiration.
These films are united by their unique emotional blend: they are unafraid to explore deep sadness but are ultimately defined by a hopeful, life-affirming core. The tone prevents the story from feeling bleak, and the pacing allows for a thoughtful, emotionally resonant journey that honors the pain while celebrating the spirit.
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Track the full timeline of Kiss and Cry with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Kiss and Cry. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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