Now and Then

The narrative shifts between a carefree, sun-drenched 1970 summer when the girls explore innocence and occult curiosities, and a 1991 reunion that confronts adulthood, divorce, and the consequences of their past. The two periods reveal how time alters relationships, ambitions, and the sense of independence. The contrast emphasizes nostalgia with the weight of hidden truths coming to light.

Shelby is a quiet Midwest town backdrop for childhood summers and a later adult reunion. The affluent Gaslight Addition neighborhood provides a privileged yet secretive environment where the girls' friendships are formed and tested. The setting juxtaposes sunlit 1970s summers with a reflective 1991 homecoming, highlighting how place shapes memory and change.

🌱 Growing Up

Growing up is portrayed through the girls' evolving desires, fears, and secrets. They navigate crushes, parental divorce, and new responsibilities as the tree house becomes a symbol of independence. The summer ends with a realization that growing up also means letting go of childhood closeness. Time moves them from carefree play to the responsibilities of adulthood.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship binds the four girls through joy, danger, and secrets. They form a pact to always support one another, even as rivalries with the Wormer brothers test loyalty. The séances and discoveries challenge trust, yet their bond endures across years. The 1991 reunion reinforces the durability and fragility of long-term friendship.

🪄 Mystery

The occult séances spark curiosity and invite doubt, blending fantasy with real-world clues. The quest to uncover Dear Johnny's fate uncovers hidden histories within the town and family secrets. Missing pages, accidents, and a buried obituary complicate the truth, showing how stories are shaped by what is revealed and what is kept hidden. The mystery ultimately reframes childhood adventures as a coping mechanism for loss.

🕰️ Memory & Truth

Memory shapes identity and color the way the past is remembered. Discoveries about parental divorce, a mother's death, and other concealed histories force the characters to reevaluate their childhood. The film balances nostalgic warmth with painful reality, illustrating how memory can both heal and distance. The final vow to stay close acknowledges memory's dual power to sustain relationships and reveal uncomfortable truths.