Superstar

As a child, Mary Katherine Gallagher saves a boy with a distinctive birthmark from drowning at a public pool. The moment marks her early sense of being different and capable of courage. It foreshadows the performative bravery she will seek later in life.

Mary lives with her grandmother as an orphan and becomes obsessed with achieving superstardom and her first kiss. The drive to be seen drives many of her choices throughout the film. Her desire for fame frames her journey in high school.

In high school, Mary dreams of kissing Sky Corrigan, the most popular boy, but her awkwardness makes her a social outcast. She is ostracized by peers and labeled as different. The environment sets up her longing and vulnerability.

A fight at school lands Mary in special education, where she befriends Helen Lewengrub. Eric Slater, the new 'bad boy', takes an interest in her. The cast of classmates expands as she navigates on the margins of the school social scene.

A school talent show is announced with a prize that includes a trip to Hollywood and a chance to be a movie extra. Mary's grandmother forbids participation, but Helen and a vision of Jesus urge her to audition. The setup promises a path from small-town stage to larger ambitions.

When Mary attempts to sign up, she clashes with head cheerleader Evian Graham. Mary's grandmother reveals the real reason she bans Mary from performing: her parents were killed during an Irish stepdance competition. The revelation adds a somber weight to the dream of performing.

Sky breaks up with Evian after witnessing the altercation, and Evian vows revenge on Mary. The conflict tightens the social stakes as rivalries heat up ahead of the talent show. Mary remains focused on her own path, despite the turmoil.

Mary auditions with an impassioned version of 'Sometimes When We Touch' but Evian retaliates by dumping a bucket of paint on her. Humiliated, Mary flees the school with Slater, marking a turning point where she leans on him for support. The incident catalyzes their bond.

Slater brings Mary to the pool, revealing that he was the boy she rescued years earlier. They bond during an impromptu swim and a shared moment of vulnerability. This reunion deepens her trust in him as they navigate their complicated feelings.

Mary returns home to learn she earned a spot in the talent show. Her grandmother, softening, allows her to perform and even helps coach a chorus line of Mary’s special education friends. This marks a shift from prohibition to supportive guidance.

As the talent show approaches, Evian apologizes and Sky plans to dance with Evian. Mary resolves to perform not to impress Sky, but to honor herself and her grandmother. A self-affirming choice sets the tone for the performance.

Mary and her friends perform 'Out Here on My Own' with Slater arriving in time to support. The record speeds up, she falls, but Jesus consoles her, inspiring her to carry on. They receive a standing ovation and Mary wins the competition, choosing Slater over Sky.

In the final moment, Mary, now dating Slater, kisses the school tree goodbye, embracing her new path rather than chasing stardom. Sky’s kiss is rejected as she chooses Slater, sealing her growth from aspiring star to confident individual. The film closes on a note of personal victory and acceptance.