September 30, 1955

On the evening of September 30, 1955, college student Jimmy J. watches the film 'East of Eden' alone at a theater in Conway, Arkansas. The film's themes and imagery deeply resonate with him, foreshadowing the events to come. This moment marks the start of his emotional journey connected to James Dean's death.

The next day at football practice, Jimmy J. learns from a radio DJ that James Dean was killed in a car accident in California. He rushes to the radio station, desperate for more details about the tragedy, feeling a personal connection to the actor’s death. This news shocks him and amplifies his grief over Dean’s passing.

Jimmy J. gathers his friends at a party by the Arkansas River, where he expresses his grief over Dean’s death. He then creates a mud sculpture of an Academy Award and conducts a séance, stripping to his underwear and covering himself in dirt to summon Dean's spirit, perceiving a dog barking as a sign.

The police arrive at the gathering due to their disturbance, and the group quickly escapes back to town. Despite their efforts to continue the séance at Charlotte’s house, neighbors or authorities likely disapprove of their antics, which Jimmy J. perceives as a spiritual connection to Dean.

Jimmy J. returns to his dormitory surprised to find his mother, little brother Dickie, and aunt Ethel waiting to take him to a movie. His mother shows concern about his appearance and worries he is headed for failure, hinting at family struggles and his emotional turmoil.

Jimmy J. calls Billie Jean Turner, a girl who admires James Dean and is dressed like Vampira. He invites her to a séance at Charlotte’s house, where she darkens the room, lights candles, and prepares to contact Dean's spirit using a Ouija board, feeling a strong presence only with Billie Jean nearby.

The group engages in rebellious behavior at a cemetery, causing chaos. During the police intervention, Billie Jean drops a candelabrum and her cape catches fire, resulting in severe burns. This traumatic event underscores her vulnerability and the danger of their actions.

Three weeks later, Jimmy J. attends the homecoming parade on a motorcycle. He confronts Charlotte about their breakup, kisses her during the parade, and reconnects with friends like Hanley and Frank. The scene shows his ongoing struggle with love, loss, and belonging.

Jimmy J. visits Billie Jean, who has been hospitalized with bandages covering her burns. He confesses how he watched 'Rebel Without a Cause' multiple times, seeing parallels with his life and blaming himself for her injury. His visit is an emotional attempt to seek forgiveness.

For the first time, Billie Jean speaks, begging Jimmy J. not to send her to a sanitorium and asking him to break her mirrors, so she doesn’t see her scars. Her mother, Melba Lou, becomes angry upon hearing Billie Jean's plea, highlighting the family's struggles and her mental state.

Jimmy J. observes Charlotte being crowned football queen during the homecoming game from afar. He then rides off on his motorcycle, symbolizing his ongoing inner conflict and decision to leave town, yet still longing for connection.

Jimmy J., feeling lost and burdened by grief, heads to California on his motorcycle. He is driven by the desire to visit the place where James Dean died, seeking to find closure and perhaps understand his own identity better.