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!

Haven’t seen Kiss and Cry yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Kiss and Cry (2017)

Trace every key event in Kiss and Cry (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Carley is a rising figure skater in Toronto

Carley Elle Allison is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater in Toronto, known for her motto always smile and her rising momentum toward Canada's national team. She balances skating, singing, and a close circle of family and friends who support her ambitions.

Toronto, Canada
2

John enters her life at a party

At a party, Carley meets John, a kind classmate from biology. Their connection marks the beginning of a hopeful romance despite the busy schedule.

Toronto, Canada
3

Sudden illness and initial asthma scare

Carley begins to feel sick with severe breathlessness that is initially attributed to asthma. Her symptoms escalate, prompting medical tests rather than a quick diagnosis.

Toronto, Canada
4

Hospital discovery of a rare tumor

After a collapse on a date, Carley is hospitalized where doctors discover a rare cancerous tumor outside her trachea. The diagnosis shifts the fight from routine skater to patient seeking life-saving treatment.

Hospital in Toronto
5

Tracheal surgery and chemotherapy begin

Carley undergoes tracheal surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy. The procedures mark the start of a grueling medical battle but she maintains determination.

Hospital in Toronto
6

Hair loss and steadfast support

During treatment, Carley loses a lock of hair and faces harsher days with honesty and humor. John stays by her side, promising to stay positive and expressing his love.

Carley's home, Toronto
7

Vlog about being bald and prom invitation

Carley records a vlog announcing she is bald and documents her ongoing struggle. John arrives with a drum set and asks her to the prom, a gesture that brings joy despite the illness.

Carley's home
8

Return to school and public support

Back at school, Carley is greeted by messages of love and encouragement from friends and classmates. She also participates in community events to raise awareness for cancer research.

Carley's school in Toronto
9

Haircuts for Cancer and TV interview

Carley participates in a fundraising event called Haircuts for Cancer to support research funding. She gives a televised interview where she describes treating cancer like a contact sport, preferring to keep moving.

Local community center and TV studio
10

Prom night and first kiss

Carley and John attend the prom together and share an intimate moment that cements their bond. The night becomes a symbol of hope amid adversity.

Prom venue, Toronto
11

Return to skating and national stage

Months later, Carley returns to skating and is invited to sing O Canada to open a televised NHL game. This moment marks a public recognition of her resilience.

NHL arena
12

Relapse and final days

Carley is diagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs several months after her remission. John and Carley reaffirm their love before she passes away at 19, ending the race with courage.

Hospital in Toronto
13

Legacy: Carley's Angels Foundation

Carley's Angels Foundation is created in her honor to help with high medical costs and support families facing cancer.

Foundation launched in Toronto

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:53

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss and Cry

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.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss and Cry

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