Kiss Me

Set in a quiet suburban town, the narrative moves across the school, a local park district, and the homes where the central characters live. The town's clinic and the park system provide the backdrop for personal struggles—brace for scoliosis, family conflicts, and the changing dynamics of friendship and romance. Public spaces like the park and school hallways become stages for growth, risk, and the pursuit of independence.

🌱 Identity

Zoe's back brace and its social implications push her to define who she is beyond appearances. The film follows her journey from self-consciousness to self-assertion, as she tests boundaries and makes choices that reflect her growing autonomy. Shelby's presence accelerates this self-discovery, showing how friendship can help navigate stigma and limitation. Body image, vulnerability, and resilience weave through her coming-of-age.

🤝 Friendship

Zoe and Shelby form a lifeline that helps them endure hardship at home, at school, and in their social circles. Their bond involves shared secrets, loyalty, and moments of risk that test trust and boundaries. When romantic feelings intrude, the friendship is strained but ultimately deepened by honesty and forgiveness. The relationship demonstrates how female friendship can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

✋ Consent & Agency

The story centers on female agency as Zoe navigates desire, boundaries, and pressure from adults and peers. She ultimately chooses not to engage in sex with Chance, signaling a commitment to her own needs and limits. The film presents consent as an ongoing, personal decision rather than a one-time event. This arc reinforces the characters' growing independence and control over their futures.