Never Rarely Sometimes Always

The cinematic journey initiates at a lively high school talent show, where Autumn Callahan’s mesmerizing guitar and vocal performance enchants the audience, momentarily drowning out the harsh jeers of an unknown heckler. As she takes center stage, her music creates a profound connection, bridging the distance between her and the crowd with a heartfelt spell of empathy.

Following the show, Autumn enjoys dinner with her family, which includes her mother, Sharon Van Etten, her stepfather Ted played by Ryan Eggold, cousin Skylar portrayed by Talia Ryder, and her younger siblings. However, the evening swiftly turns sour as Ted’s dismissive remarks about Autumn’s performance draw an annoyed response from her mother, while Skylar defiantly supports her cousin after witnessing an unseen audience member make a disgraceful gesture towards Autumn.

As days roll on, Autumn begins experiencing troubling physical symptoms that lead her to seek help at a medical clinic. The devastating diagnosis reveals that she is pregnant, shattering her sense of normalcy. The doctor hands her pamphlets outlining adoption, which Autumn initially disregards, instead seeking a bold change in her appearance with a new nose piercing to signify this turning point in her life.

Together, Autumn and Skylar work mundane shifts as cashiers in a grocery store, where Skylar faces unwanted advances from older men. After receiving an invitation to a party, Autumn decides to reject it promptly. The urgency of Autumn’s situation is magnified during an ultrasound, reaffirming her pregnancy and reopening conversations about adoption. The clinic staff discusses abortion, underscoring the complexities surrounding Autumn’s predicaments with a video aimed at dissuading her from proceeding.

In her search for autonomy, Autumn discovers that abortion in Pennsylvania mandates parental consent, which complicates her already precarious situation. Driven by desperation, she considers self-induced methods, resorting to medication and physical harm, illustrating the vulnerability that accompanies such life-altering choices. When Autumn’s symptoms worsen at work, Skylar learns the truth behind her cousin’s ailments: Autumn is pregnant. In response, Skylar pleads for time off, but to no avail; feeling cornered, Autumn continues working while Skylar secretly pilfers some cash for both of them.

As night descends, the girls embark on a covert journey to New York, hopeful for a more supportive environment and a safer option for terminating the pregnancy. Along their travels, they meet Jasper, a charismatic older boy who captures Skylar’s attention with his charm. Though Skylar evades his inquiries about their destination, Jasper’s persistence earns him her phone number, building a new connection.

Upon reaching Brooklyn, the girls head to Planned Parenthood for Autumn’s sonogram, where the technician reveals traumatizing news: her 18-week-old fetus shows visible bruises. The technician’s grave demeanor highlights the weight of Autumn’s reality as she learns that the procedure will need to be postponed until the following day.

As the day unfolds, they experience the city’s pulse through encounters that weave in characters enriching their narrative. A subway ride delivers an unsettling moment for Autumn, while Skylar immerses herself in games at an arcade, displaying a spectrum of distractions that mask their underlying vulnerabilities.

The following morning, on the brink of the procedure, Autumn faces the emotional turmoil of her situation. A kind counselor encourages an honest dialogue, enabling Autumn to confront the possibility that her pregnancy stems from a traumatic incident, leading her to tears as she gears up for the daunting process ahead.

As darkness falls, the girls scramble to retrace their steps back home, meeting obstacles — a critical lack of funds alongside missing tickets and receipts. In a moment of selflessness, Autumn suggests Skylar venture back alone; however, her cousin remains resolute in her loyalty to Autumn. With no way to contact their families, Skylar turns to Jasper, whose assistance navigates their path from the chaotic streets to the vibrant ambiance of a bowling alley.

While passing time there, Jasper’s friendly demeanor encourages Skylar to share a celebratory drink. Autumn, however, sneaks away to the restroom, where her body betrays her, striking her with pain and bleeding. She attempts to call her mother, but the words escape her. Summoning her courage, she returns to her friends outside.

The night culminates in a spirited karaoke session featuring Jasper and, later, Autumn’s own courageous performance. But as tension swells, Skylar draws Jasper aside for a moment, leaving Autumn exposed to the awkwardness of seeing her cousin share a tender farewell kiss with him. Enduring the emotional upheaval takes its toll, yet Autumn finds solace in Skylar’s silent support.

However, as the night wanes, Jasper presents the much-needed funds, bidding them farewell as they gear up for their departure. The next day heralds their return to the clinic, where the final stage of Autumn’s ordeal awaits. With the heavy burden of their journey finally lifting, the girls treat themselves to a nutritious meal before boarding a bus home, marking the conclusion of a tumultuous venture and the beginning of a much-needed period of rest and healing.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 19:24