The World We Make

Lee and her older brother Casey share a deep love for horses, a passion inherited from their late mother. This connection strengthens as they plan a cross-country horse-riding trip together to create lasting memories before Lee graduates from high school.

Tragedy strikes when Casey dies in a car accident, leaving Lee and their father, Jeff, to grapple with their grief. Jeff retreats into his garage to work on a car project that he was building for Casey, leaving Lee to navigate her emotions and responsibilities alone.

Amidst the grief, Casey's best friend Jordan enters the scene, offering support to Lee. Though initially afraid of horses, he helps Lee in the barn and forms a bond with her younger brother, Logan, hinting at a growing connection between him and Lee.

While Lee is unsure about her future, Jordan appears to have everything figured out. He has secured a football scholarship for a prestigious college but struggles with issues stemming from his father's gambling problems, complicating his path.

As Lee and Jordan begin dating, they face the complexities of their interracial relationship amidst societal bias. Lee's assumptions about Jordan lead to a heartfelt apology, marking the beginning of their intimate connection despite external pressures.

Over time, Jordan becomes an integral part of Lee's family, filling the void left by Casey. Jeff allows Jordan to take the first ride in the car he rebuilt for Casey, symbolizing acceptance and recognition of their bond.

The attention drawn by the rebuilt car leads to an altercation with Lee's classmates, resulting in Jordan being hospitalized. This event serves as eye-opening for Lee's family, who become acutely aware of the racial injustices Jordan faces regularly.

As the relationship between Lee and Jordan grows, so do the external judgments and criticisms. They create their own place, but the societal issues they wish to avoid inevitably invade their lives, testing their connection.

When doctors advise Jordan against playing football due to health risks, he feels pressured to abandon his dreams. Torn between his aspirations and the reality of his situation, he considers asking his father for a job to make ends meet.

In a moment of overwhelming responsibility and grief, Lee is compelled to sell Casey's horse, which she had held onto as a connection to her brother. This act serves as a poignant release of her emotions, marking a crucial step in her healing process.

Despite no longer dating, Lee generously gives Jordan part of the money from selling the horse to help him pursue his college dreams. This selfless act reflects the deep bond they still share and her desire for him to succeed.

Realizing the depth of their connection, Jordan and Lee reconcile their differences. Lee’s unwavering support reinforces the notion that love transcends challenges, encouraging Jordan to fight for their future together.

The horseshoe, originally intended by Casey to be thrown into the ocean, becomes a powerful symbol of closure and remembrance. By taking this journey together, Lee, Jordan, and the family embrace their past while seeking catharsis.

Lee and Jordan embark on the horse-riding trip Casey had envisioned, with Jeff and Logan supporting them from afar. This journey not only honors Casey's memory but also solidifies Lee and Jordan's bond as they face their challenges head-on.

The film culminates as Lee throws the horseshoe into the ocean, fulfilling Casey’s last wish. This act represents a significant turning point for Lee as she finally lets go of her grief, stepping forward into a new chapter in her life.