The Diary of a Teenage Girl

The Diary of a Teenage Girl

Year: 2015

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Marielle Heller

DramaRomance

As Minnie Goetze navigates adolescence, she yearns for authenticity, connection and a sense of belonging. A scandalous tryst with her mother's beau, Monroe Rutherford, sets in motion a liberating journey of self-discovery, artistic expression and unapologetic desire.

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The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In 1976 San Francisco, a 15-year-old aspiring cartoonist named Minnie starts an audio diary that captures her journey of self-discovery and the stirrings of her burgeoning sexuality. Despite feeling overweight and unattractive, she begins to draw attention from boys at school, igniting her desire to lose her virginity.

When Minnie’s free-spirited mother, Charlotte, neglects her relationship with boyfriend Monroe, she unexpectedly suggests he take Minnie out on a date. In a lively bar setting, Minnie and Monroe share flirtatious banter, leading her to boldly express her wish to sleep with him. Their intimate encounters shift to his apartment, where Minnie opens up about her experiences to her close friend Kimmie.

At a local comic book store, Minnie has a chance encounter with famed cartoonist Aline Kominsky, who inspires her to send in her first comic about a woman wandering through town. As Minnie’s sexual escapades unfold, she engages in two sexual encounters with schoolmate Ricky. However, Ricky finds her sexual confidence overwhelming. Pushing boundaries further, Minnie and Kimmie pretend to be prostitutes at a bar, only to decide against such antics the following day.

In the midst of these escapades, Minnie’s stepfather Pascal reaches out from New York City, offering her to come live with him, but she turns down the invitation. After facing financial hardship, Charlotte loses her job, prompting Minnie and her younger sister Gretel to request financial help from Pascal. Despite his irritation, he sends a check.

An extraordinary moment occurs when Minnie, Kimmie, and Monroe engage in a threesome. However, the fun takes a turn when Minnie and Monroe experiment with acid, leading to Monroe experiencing a terrifying trip filled with paranoia. As suspicion grows regarding Minnie and Monroe’s relationship, Charlotte tries to confront them, only to be swayed by Monroe’s charm.

The plot thickens when Charlotte discovers Minnie’s personal audio diary, forcing Minnie to leave home. She soon forms a connection with a girl named Tabatha, though mistrust in her new relationship prompts her to return to her family. Ultimately, upon finding a letter from Aline that encourages her to pursue her passion for drawing, Minnie begins to sell her comics and zines on the beach, leading to a surprising encounter with Monroe, marking a poignant chapter in her journey towards self-acceptance and artistic expression.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:27

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