Welcome to the Dollhouse

Twelve-year-old Dawn Wiener is introduced as a timid seventh-grader facing the challenges of adolescence. Living in a suburban area of New Jersey, she feels the weight of her insecurities, especially in comparison to her siblings.

Dawn’s family dynamics reveal a complicated relationship with her mother, Marj, who favors her younger sister, Missy. Meanwhile, her older brother Mark is absorbed in his studies and music, leaving Dawn feeling isolated.

At school, Dawn becomes a target of bullying, particularly from class bully Brandon McCarthy. The bullying escalates when her locker is vandalized and she is falsely punished for Brandon's attempt to cheat off her.

During an assembly, the harassment from Brandon reaches a breaking point, causing Dawn to defensively shoot a spitball at a teacher. This leads to her receiving another detention, further isolating her at school.

Dawn develops a crush on Steve Rodgers, a charming musician and friend of her brother. Although their moments together excite her, one of Steve's ex-girlfriends warns Dawn to temper her expectations.

Following a heated argument, Dawn calls Brandon a derogatory name, resulting in him threatening her with sexual violence. This threat hangs over her, escalating the tension between them.

In a surprising twist, Brandon engages Dawn in an unexpected heartfelt conversation and kisses her. This moment leaves Dawn reflecting on her feelings amidst the chaos around her.

At a family dinner, a heated debate erupts when Dawn's mother commands her siblings to destroy Dawn's clubhouse. This incident not only leads to familial strife but also causes Dawn to lose dessert as punishment.

Dawn shares playful moments with Brandon at the clubhouse, where she confesses her crush on Steve. Upon hearing this, Brandon leaves angrily, adding to Dawn's sense of isolation.

At her family’s 20th anniversary party, Dawn plans to approach Steve but is humiliated when her sister Missy shoves her into a kiddie pool. This incident compounds Dawn's feelings of social awkwardness.

Overwhelmed by her experiences, Dawn destroys the videotape of the party that captured her humiliating moment. She also threatens Missy with a hammer in a moment of frustration, revealing her pent-up emotions.

Brandon faces suspension from school due to alleged drug activities, leading to a significant change in his circumstances. This incident marks a turning point in the twisted relationship between him and Dawn.

A severe disagreement leads to Dawn accidentally neglecting her younger sister, Missy, who ends up kidnapped. This shocking event propels Dawn into a desperate search to find her sister.

In her search for Missy, Dawn ventures to Brandon's home and learns about his troubled family background. Their connection deepens during this emotional exchange, but Brandon reveals he must leave town.

Dawn receives the news that Missy was found unharmed, leading to a mix of relief and lingering shame. She then delivers a thank-you speech at school, only to be met with ridicule as she boards a bus to Walt Disney World.