Based on the real-life experiences of director Jennifer Fox, this poignant film introduces us to Jennifer "Jenny" Fox, portrayed by Laura Dern, an accomplished documentary filmmaker in her late forties. Jenny is currently engrossed in a project capturing the harrowing stories of women and girls in third-world countries who have faced sexual assault or harassment. While attending a women's rights protest in Africa, she decides to participate, despite warnings of potential violence. Alongside her professional life, she juggles personal issues in her interracial relationship with her caring boyfriend Martin, played by Common, as they navigate the complexities of commitment and intimacy.
The narrative takes a turn when Jenny's elderly mother, Nettie, performed by Ellen Burstyn, reaches out in distress after discovering a school essay Jenny wrote in the 1970s at the age of thirteen. The essay discusses a troubling "relationship" with an older boyfriend, which Jenny brushes off as merely upsetting to her mother. This triggers a series of nostalgic flashbacks to her childhood, depicted in a tender, almost dream-like manner reminiscent of a vintage Super 8 home movie. As she revisits this time, she grapples with feelings of being a shy, overlooked girl in a household rife with conflict.
Jenny’s pivotal childhood experience occurs during a transformative summer at an intense horse training camp, where she comes under the influence of the captivating Mrs. G, played by Elizabeth Debicki, and professional coach Bill Allens, portrayed by Jason Ritter. The dynamic at the camp is both thrilling and unsettling as Jenny recalls the elite group interacting with Bill, who insists on being called "Naga." Years later, she seeks out another camp attendee, Franny, played by Chelsea Alden, now a strong and independent woman operating her own horse farm. Their reunion uncovers long-buried memories, including the impact of Mrs. G.’s deteriorating relationship with her husband and the trauma surrounding her late son, David.
As Jenny reconnects with her past, she tries her hand at riding again and navigates awkward recollections of her time at the camp. During a vibrant lunch with Mrs. G. and Bill, they confess to their romantic involvement, leading Jenny to promise to stay in contact. However, as her reminiscences deepen, she is haunted by troubling realizations about her summer with Bill, who begins to groom her for sexual exploitation, blurring the lines between affection and abuse.
Meanwhile, the present-day tensions escalate when Martin uncovers letters from Bill, compelling Jenny to confront the uncomfortable truth of her past, yet she is reluctant to label herself a victim. As she acknowledges her suppressed trauma and begins to piece together the puzzle of her youth, she recalls stories of other young women, like Iris Rose, who reveal a dark tapestry of manipulation orchestrated by Mrs. G. and Bill.
In her quest for closure, Jenny faces the painful confrontation with Mrs. G. in her home, where the elderly woman desperately tries to deflect attention away from their shared history. This poignant moment reflects Jenny's internal struggle as she finally confronts the impact of the abuse on her adult relationships and sense of self-worth. She finds herself at odds with her childhood, grappling with the mixed feelings of denial and demand for truth.
The climax unfolds at an awards ceremony honoring the now elderly Bill, played by John Heard. As tensions surmount, Jenny confronts him publicly, igniting a moment of catharsis and exposing the deeply-rooted dysfunction that marred her youth. Caught in a flood of emotions, she realizes the profound truth of her experience—it was never her fault. In a heart-wrenching moment, she comes face to face with her younger self, ultimately recognizing her evolution from victim to advocate.
With a blend of nostalgia and painful reflection, the film encapsulates Jenny's journey toward healing and empowerment, reminding audiences of the enduring strength found in confronting one's past.
