Smithereens

In the vibrant streets of New York City, Wren begins her journey by committing a bold act of rebellion. She steals sunglasses from a female pedestrian at a subway station, making a statement about her desire to break free from societal constraints.

After her daring act, Wren takes to decorating the walls of a subway train with her photographs. This display of artistry and individuality catches the eye of Paul, a newcomer from Montana who is instantly drawn to Wren's charisma.

Wren hands Paul a flyer promoting her art, which sparks his interest in her. He begins to follow her around, captivated by her energy, even watching her during her work shift at a local photocopy shop.

Wren finally allows Paul to accompany her home from the Peppermint Lounge, a popular nightclub for New Wave enthusiasts. Despite being drawn to him, she skillfully rebuffs his attempt to get her on a date, maintaining her independence.

The next morning, Paul wakes up in his makeshift home—a spray-painted van—thinking about Wren. He admires her flyer, filled with wonder and excitement about the girl he's met, contemplating the mystery behind her.

Driven by his feelings for Wren, Paul waits outside her apartment and convinces her to join him for a movie date. However, the date takes an unexpected turn when Wren's fascination with a famous musician, Eric, interrupts their connection.

After a chaotic night out with Eric, Wren wakes up in a troubled situation. With regret looming and a rejection from her landlady, she hits rock bottom, prompting a desperate search for comfort with her estranged sister, Terry.

Seeking to reclaim her life, Wren returns to Manhattan, reaching out for support from Paul. As she suggests breaking into her apartment to retrieve her belongings, a shift occurs in their relationship, leading to greater intimacy.

While pursuing her music dreams, Wren inadvertently neglects the deepening bond with Paul, creating tension between them. As Wren chases her ambitions, the authentic connection she shares with Paul begins to fray.

Wren's jealousy comes to a head during a confrontation with Eric in a café. This outburst reveals the emotional complexities of her relationships and the damage caused by her obsession with the past.

After experiencing hardships, Wren shares a dream with Paul that exposes her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. Their intimacy leads to confusion, challenging the nature of their relationship and Wren's self-identity.

Wren's connection to Eric spirals into a dangerous situation that forces her to make morally ambiguous choices. In the heat of the moment during a theft, she must reckon with the corruption surrounding her ambitions.

As Wren discovers the truth about Eric's troubled life, she finds herself facing another layer of heartbreak. Her longing for stability drives her to seek help from her co-worker, Cecile, only to endure further rejection.

As Wren's life begins to unravel, she wanders the streets of New York City, encountering desperate scenarios. Mistaken for a prostitute, she struggles with her identity and the overwhelming pressures of her environment.

Ultimately, Wren's journey through youth, ambition, and the search for belonging culminates in profound reflection. Her experiences highlight the emotional tumult of chasing dreams and the complexity of finding oneself amidst chaos.