Men, Women & Children

The film opens in a quaint Texas town, illustrating the lives of teenagers and their parents. As they navigate the complexities of a technology-driven society, the pervasive impacts of digital media on communication and relationships become apparent.

Donald and Helen Truby, a couple facing sexual dissatisfaction, turn to extramarital affairs for solace. Helen finds companionship through Ashley Madison while Donald seeks escorts, demonstrating their search for fulfillment outside their marriage.

Donald discovers Helen's Ashley Madison account, which leads him to confront her at a rendezvous with her partner. This pivotal moment forces both to acknowledge their indiscretions, though they choose to sweep everything under the rug the following day.

Chris, the Trubys' son, struggles with addiction to pornography, which hinders his ability to connect with his classmate, Hannah. Despite his efforts to woo her, he fails at intimacy, ultimately causing Hannah to break off their relationship while fabricating a story about their encounter.

Hannah is ambitious and supported by her mother, Donna, who manages a website showcasing Hannah's journey. However, her dreams come crashing down when Hannah is disqualified from a television audition due to inappropriate pictures posted online by Donna.

Recognizing the harm caused to Hannah's future by their online presence, Donna takes the difficult step of removing the website. This decision reflects her growing awareness of her daughter's needs over her own ambitions for fame.

Tim, also a football player, decides to quit sports after his parents' divorce and immerses himself in an MMORPG. His gloomy state shifts when he begins dating Brandy Beltmeyer, but their relationship faces external pressures.

Brandy creates a secret Tumblr account to express her true self, escaping her overbearing mother's tight control. When Patricia discovers this online expression, tensions rise as she restricts Brandy's internet access, leading to conflict within their relationship.

In the aftermath of his parents' divorce and mounting pressures, Tim's mental state deteriorates. He attempts an overdose on antidepressants, showcasing the serious consequences of emotional turmoil among teenagers.

After witnessing the effects of her controlling behavior, Patricia reflects on her actions. This leads her to reconsider her surveillance tactics over Brandy, understanding that she has crossed a line.

Donna starts attending content awareness meetings to educate herself on online presence, where she meets Kent, Tim's father. Despite their initial hesitations, they find common ground in their parenting struggles and develop a budding romantic connection.

Allison Doss, a cheerleader battling an eating disorder, finally catches the attention of football player Brandon. However, their encounter becomes problematic when Brandon trivializes their experience, leading to severe health repercussions for Allison.

Following a serious health decline, Allison reveals to Brandon that she suffered a miscarriage due to malnutrition. His selfish response, fixating on his reputation rather than her pain, triggers her anger and leads to an act of vandalism against him.

As the film reaches its conclusion, a powerful narrator echoes the importance of cherishing humanity and our shared world. This message underscores the central themes of connection, communication, and the consequences of neglect in a technology-dominated life.