Wide Awake

Josh's beloved grandfather dies, triggering a personal search about life and death. He feels adrift and begins seeking answers about faith and meaning. This marks the early start of his journey in fifth grade.

He decides to search for God and a deeper purpose. Dave and a Philadelphia Phillies–loving nun at Waldron Mercy Academy become his guides, shaping the course of his quest.

Dave creates a distraction so Josh can sneak into the girls' school to meet the cardinal, hoping for spiritual insight. The plan tests Josh's resolve and curiosity about faith. The event unfolds under the school’s watchful eyes.

Seeing the cardinal up close reveals that even revered figures can be fragile and mortal. This moment deepens Josh's understanding of faith and humanity. It shifts his perception from idealization to empathy.

Josh proposes that his family travel to Rome over winter break to further his quest, but his parents quickly realize the suggestion is part of his spiritual journey and they shoot it down. The rejection forces him to continue his personal search closer to home.

Hope, a girl from the girls' school, becomes Josh's ally in his quest and also his first crush. Their growing connection provides emotional support as his journey unfolds. She helps him see different facets of faith and friendship.

They meet again at a boy's birthday party, where Josh confesses his feelings for Hope. This moment blends his personal longing with his spiritual journey. It adds a human, romantic layer to his quest.

During a ceremony where the girls' school offers flowers to the Virgin, Hope gives her rose to Josh for his quest. The gesture symbolizes trust, faith, and his evolving relationship with Hope. The scene intertwines devotion with adolescent affection.

A classmate secretly steals the school's framed portrait of the pope, creating tension and incident within the school community. The act becomes a symbol of rebellion and the fragility of the world Josh is trying to understand. It tests his moral compass amid upheaval.

Josh observes that his bully has to leave the school due to insufficient funds, highlighting the precarious nature of life for those around him. The change removes a source of intimidation and alters group dynamics. This shift influences Josh's social environment.

After getting stuck in a turnstile with Frank, Josh agrees to spend more time with him. The awkward moment becomes a turning point in their relationship, prompting new empathy and camaraderie. It reinforces the theme of understanding others on his quest.

Dave is diagnosed with epilepsy, adding another layer of gravity to Josh's circle of friends. The news deepens the sense of fragility in their lives and reinforces the seriousness of their respective journeys. This development broadens the scope of Josh's quest toward a more mature empathy.