Luce

Luce Edgar, originally from war-torn Eritrea, is adopted by Peter and Amy Edgar. This adoption sets the stage for his privileged life in the United States, where he quickly becomes a standout high school student and athlete.

Luce harbors resentment toward his history teacher, Harriet Wilson, after she reported his friend DeShaun for marijuana possession. This incident led to DeShaun's removal from the track team, amplifying Luce's animosity towards Harriet.

Amy receives a disturbing call from Harriet, prompting an urgent meeting at the school. During this meeting, Harriet expresses her concerns about Luce's troubling essay, written from the perspective of revolutionary Frantz Fanon.

During the meeting with Amy, Harriet reveals that she found illegal fireworks in Luce's locker. This discovery raises significant alarm for Amy, creating a rift of trust concerning their son.

At dinner, the Edgar family discusses Harriet’s actions, which Luce interprets as personal bias. He expresses his concerns about being labeled a token representation of his race, referencing his classmate Stephanie Kim.

The next day, Luce confronts Harriet about his essay, clarifying that he merely completed the assignment rather than endorsing violence. However, Harriet misinterprets his comments about the fireworks as a threat.

A heated confrontation ensues between Luce and his parents after Harriet informs Peter of the fireworks incident. Luce vehemently denies ownership of the fireworks, complicating the family's dynamic.

Harriet deals with personal turmoil as her sister Rosemary faces mental health challenges. Their visit with Luce leaves Harriet shaken, particularly after Rosemary has a breakdown requiring police intervention.

Amy learns about Stephanie Kim's traumatic experience from her, revealing that Luce was present at the same party. This new information complicates Amy's view of her son and the unfolding events.

Tensions escalate when Harriet's home is vandalized, prompting further accusations against Luce. Harriet discusses the situation with Principal Towson, leading to plans for a tense meeting with the Edgar family.

During the meeting with the principal, Luce presents video evidence that contradicts Harriet's accusations, causing friction between Luce and Harriet. This moment is pivotal in shifting the blame and scrutiny.

Amy decides to lie about the fireworks incident to protect Luce, further straining Harriet’s credibility and professional standing. The lie brings additional complications to an already tense situation.

Fireworks mysteriously explode in Harriet's desk, leading to her dismissal amid rising suspicions. This event highlights the chaotic culmination of tensions between Luce, Harriet, and the Edgars.

In a pivotal confrontation, Luce expresses how Harriet's actions impacted his friend's career and how he feels stereotyped due to her bias. This exchange underscores the racial and educational complexities at play.

As the story unfolds, Luce maintains a public facade of being the model son while privately grappling with his inner turmoil. The film concludes by exploring themes of race, identity, and the pressures of societal expectations.