The Sure Thing

As high school seniors, Walter Gibson and his best friend Lance are buzzing with excitement about their upcoming college adventures. They cherish their friendship and look forward to new beginnings, but Walter secretly struggles with his ability to interact with women.

After Lance departs for UCLA, Walter begins his new chapter at a college in New England. Despite their attempts to keep in touch through letters, Walter finds it increasingly difficult to connect romantically, leading to a sense of loneliness.

Walter devises a plan to get close to Alison Bradbury, a girl he admires, by pretending to need tutoring in English. However, the ruse backfires, resulting only in frustration and distancing between him and Alison.

Walter receives an unexpected call from Lance, who invites him to California for Christmas break. Lance claims to have set up a meeting with an attractive girl, sparking Walter's hope for a romantic interest.

Walter connects with Gary Cooper and Mary Ann Webster through a ride-share platform, eager to join Lance. To his dismay, he discovers that he will be sitting next to Alison, who is also headed to UCLA to visit her boyfriend.

Tensions rise during the ride as Walter and Alison bicker, prompting Gary Cooper to drop them off on a deserted road. Alone and frustrated, they must figure out how to get to their destination.

After Alison hitches a ride with a middle-aged man who makes unwanted advances, Walter arrives just in time to save her. This moment marks a turning point in their complicated relationship as they decide to stick together.

With no money for bus fare, Walter and Alison seek refuge in a motel for the night. Walter's jealousy flares up when he overhears Alison talking to her boyfriend, prompting him to drown his sorrows at a nearby bar.

After a rainstorm, Alison recalls her father's emergency credit card, allowing them to enjoy a luxurious night at an upscale hotel. They indulge in drinks and dinner, leading to a moment of closeness that feels promising.

The next morning, Walter's initial warmth towards Alison fades as he distances himself. Their emotional confusion deepens as they navigate their complicated feelings for one another.

As they continue their journey through Arizona, Walter and Alison hitch a ride with a truck driver. Alison overhears Walter's plans to meet his 'sure thing,' which heightens the tension between them.

Upon arriving at UCLA, Walter attends a Christmas mixer where he hopes to meet the girl Lance mentioned. Meanwhile, Alison, feeling unhappy with Jason, decides to join the same party, leading to unresolved feelings between them.

Walter and Alison confront their jealousy during the mixer, creating a heavy emotional atmosphere. Walter's thoughts are clouded by his longing for Alison while trying to engage with his intended romantic interest.

Back at school after the break, Professor Taub reads one of Walter's essays in class that reveals his true feelings. This inadvertently prompts Alison to re-evaluate her connection with Walter, sparking revelations about their emotions.

After Alison confesses her breakup with Jason, the tension reaches a peak, culminating in a passionate kiss between her and Walter. Their uncertain, yet hopeful future is left hanging in the balance as they explore their feelings.