The Way, Way Back

The movie opens with a car trip featuring Trent, Pam, and their children. Duncan is seated in the rear-facing seat while Steph sits up front, revealing the dynamics of their relationships right from the start.

During the journey, Trent pressures Duncan to rate himself on a scale of 1 to 10, leading to a significant moment of self-doubt for Duncan. Trent's harsh criticism of Duncan's self-assessment sets the stage for the boy's struggle for acceptance and self-worth.

Upon arriving at Trent's beach house, the group is introduced to their neighbor, Betty. Her slightly drunken demeanor and introduction of her children add layers of complexity to the beach house experience for Duncan.

As Steph retrieves her swimsuit, she encourages Duncan to join them at the beach. Despite his reluctance, he agrees, but finds himself distanced and mocked by Steph and her friends, further isolating him.

Duncan meets Betty and Peter at the beach, who insist on playing with him. His quick dismissal of Peter illustrates Duncan's discomfort in social situations and his desire to retreat further into himself.

Back at the beach house, Duncan feels increasingly overwhelmed by the presence of Trent's party-loving friends, Joan and Kip. Their loud and boisterous behavior heightens Duncan's feelings of isolation and frustration.

Duncan discovers a child's bicycle in the garage and ventures into town. He meets Owen at a local pizzeria, forming a pivotal friendship that begins to reshape Duncan's summer experience.

Duncan is reluctantly taken on a boat trip organized by Joan and Kip, where he feels once again out of place. An awkward conversation with Susanna hints at their mutual feelings of loneliness, creating a bond that will develop over time.

Duncan's fortunes begin to shift when he returns to the water park, where he encounters Owen again. Owen offers him a part-time job, providing Duncan with a sense of responsibility and newfound confidence.

While working at Water Wizz, Duncan gradually grows more confident. He takes initiative in managing a chaotic situation involving breakdancers, and his thriving interactions with coworkers portray his transformation.

The Fourth of July arrives, and Duncan experiences the warmth of community through a beach clambake. However, this happiness is overshadowed by witnessing a moment between Trent and Joan that raises Pam's suspicions of infidelity.

In a pivotal moment, Duncan confides his job secret to Susanna, sparking a deep connection between them. Their shared experiences culminate in a night of intimacy marked by music and fireworks.

Duncan's newfound confidence is tested when conflicts with Trent and Pam arise. This tumultuous moment leads Duncan to confront his feelings and the realities of his family situation, intensifying the movie's emotional stakes.

In a fleeting moment of vulnerability, Duncan and Susanna share an awkward yet poignant kiss. This kiss signifies a turning point in Duncan's journey towards acceptance of both himself and the complex emotions of young love.

As summer comes to a close, Duncan must navigate the feelings of leaving behind new friendships. In a moment of courage, he races back to the water park to embrace his new identity, showcasing his growth throughout the summer.