Kiss and Cry

Kiss and Cry

Year: 2017

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Sean Cisterna

DramaRomanceMusic

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Kiss and Cry (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Kiss and Cry (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 2000s to early 2010s

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting where social media, online videos, and viral moments shape the characters' reactions. It portrays a world of school life, local rinks, and televised events that anchor the plot in a specific recent era. Technology and media culture help amplify Carley's message of resilience.

Location

Toronto, Canada

Toronto serves as the backdrop for Carley's skating career and daily life. The city provides venues for training, competitions, and public support events that frame the narrative. Its urban environment contrasts with the intimate family moments and hospital scenes that punctuate the story.

🏙️ Urban ⛸️ Ice skating hub 🍁 Canadian setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:58

Main Characters – Kiss and Cry (2017)

Meet the key characters of Kiss and Cry (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Carley Allison (Sarah Fisher)

A talented 17-year-old skater with a sunny motto and a brave heart. She confronts a rare cancer with determination, enduring tracheal surgery and chemotherapy while staying hopeful and engaged with her community. Her resilience, humor, and openness to love drive much of the story.

🎗️ Protagonist 💎 Determination

John Servinis (Luke Bilyk)

Carley's boyfriend who supports her through illness, sharing moments of joy and fear. He stays loyal, declares his love, and participates in meaningful, uplifting experiences with Carley, like prom and skating lessons. His warmth provides emotional balance to the narrative.

💖 Love interest 👍 Supportive

May Allison (Chantal Kreviazuk)

Carley's mother who keeps the family hopeful and grounded, balancing humor with care during medical crises. She helps manage the household and supports Carley’s dreams while facing the stress of her daughter's illness.

👪 Mother 🧵 Supportive

Riley Allison (Brittany Bristow)

Carley's sister who shares in the family's joy and strain, aligning with the supportive circle around Carley. Her presence reflects sibling dynamics in dealing with illness and celebration alike.

👧 Sister 🫶 Supportive

Mark Allison (Sergio Di Zio)

A family figure who contributes to the supportive environment around Carley, helping anchor the home life amid medical challenges.

👨 Father figure 🏠 Family anchor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:58

Major Themes – Kiss and Cry (2017)

Explore the central themes of Kiss and Cry (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Resilience

Carley faces a rare cancer and a life-threatening diagnosis with unwavering optimism. She treats illness as a challenge to be met head-on, maintaining her motto to stay positive. The narrative emphasizes endurance through medical procedures, relapse, and the support of family and friends.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

Family anchors Carley's strength, providing humor and care during medical crises. The movie shows parents adapting to medical challenges and siblings rallying behind Carley, creating a close-knit unit. Their love helps her navigate medical decisions, setbacks, and the emotional toll of her illness.

❤️ Love

Romantic love with John offers emotional support and motivation to persevere. Their relationship develops through shared moments—dancing at the rink, prom, and future plans—that give Carley purpose. Love also extends to a broader care circle, including fans and supporters who rally around her.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 07:58

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Explore Movie Threads

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.

Inspirational Journeys Through Illness and Recovery like Kiss and Cry

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.

inspirationalheartwarmingtragicresilientemotionalsupportivehopeful

Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Bittersweet Tragedies with a Hopeful Heart like Kiss and Cry

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.

bittersweettragichopefulinspirationalemotionalheartbreakinglife-affirming

Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Kiss and Cry

Don't stop at just watching — explore Kiss and Cry in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Kiss and Cry is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Kiss and Cry Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Kiss and Cry, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Kiss and Cry Summary

Kiss and Cry Timeline

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.

Kiss and Cry Timeline

Kiss and Cry Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Kiss and Cry that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Kiss and Cry Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Kiss and Cry

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Kiss and Cry: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Kiss and Cry