Luce

The movie opens in a crowded high school hallway, establishing the setting. A locker is opened, revealing a paper bag with unknown contents, hinting at secrets or trouble ahead. The scene sets the tone for the unfolding drama surrounding the students and staff.

Luce Edgar, the star student and athlete, gives a speech praising his teachers and parents for his success. His performance earns him praise from the school community, highlighting his role as a model student. His adoptive parents and teacher acknowledge his importance to the school.

Harriet Wilson, Luce's teacher, discusses the significance of Luce to the school, calling him 'an important example.' The family talks about Harriet's stern demeanor, with Amy and Peter offering differing opinions about her character. This interaction hints at underlying tensions.

Harriet teaches a lesson on mid-20th-century race laws, calling out a student on his phone and emphasizing the significance of race-related issues. The incident causes DeShaun Meeks to walk out angrily, setting up conflicts related to race and authority.

Harriet contacts Amy, presenting a paper Luce wrote about violence and colonialism, which she finds suspicious due to Luce’s background as a former child soldier. Harriet also finds fireworks in Luce’s locker, escalating concerns about his behavior.

Luce witnesses his friend Corey Johnson in a fight with Kenny Orlicki over rumors. Corey warns Luce that he is also involved, illustrating the tense social environment Luce navigates amid accusations and conflict.

At dinner, the family discusses Luce’s paper and the fireworks found in his locker. Luce claims they belong to his teammates since lockers are shared. His parents remain uncertain, suspecting he’s hiding something, reflecting growing famil y concerns.

Luce acts as prosecutor in a school debate and challenges Harriet’s authority, criticizing how teachers handle accusations and respect student privacy. The confrontation reveals Luce’s growing defiance and questioning of authority.

Stephanie Kim, Luce’s former girlfriend, tells Amy about risky and sexist experiences at a party, emphasizing Luce’s past role in trying to protect her. She denies Luce’s involvement in some incidents, adding complexity to his character.

Harriet tends to her sister Rosemary, who suffers from a personality disorder, during a grocery shopping trip. Rosemary has a violent episode, leading to her being tasered by police, which shocks Harriet and highlights her personal struggles.

Harriet is accused of misconduct after her home is vandalized and her sister has an episode. She is called to a meeting where her actions are scrutinized, and she is fired amid suspicions involving the vandalism and her conduct.

A fire erupts in Harriet’s classroom, caused by fireworks, leading to a major blaze and her termination. Later, Amy discovers the fireworks are missing from her hiding spot, raising suspicions that Luce might be involved in orchestrating events.

Luce visits Harriet at her house to confront her about the damage done to DeShaun’s career and his own reputation. Harriet defends her actions, but Luce accuses her of stereotyping students, ending with her ordering him out of her house.

Luce meets with Stephanie secretly, where they are observed by Amy. The two share an intimate moment, suggesting possible conspiracy between them to frame Harriet. Amy begins to realize something is deeply wrong.

Following mounting tensions, Luce gives his final speech at school, reflecting on his past and expressing gratitude for his family. The film ends with Luce running frantically, symbolizing internal turmoil and unresolved conflicts.