Young Adult

Mavis Gary, a ghostwriter struggling with personal issues, receives an email that contains a photo of her high school boyfriend Buddy Slade's newborn daughter. This revelation ignites a spark of nostalgia and the belief that she is meant to be with Buddy again, prompting her to take action.

Driven by her longing for Buddy and a chance to reclaim her past, Mavis leaves her life in Minneapolis behind. She heads back to her small hometown, Mercury, under the pretense of a real estate transaction, masking her true intentions.

As Mavis travels to Mercury, she indulges in memories of her youth by listening to 'The Concept' by Teenage Fanclub. This song, which was given to her by Buddy years ago, reinforces her connection to him and her misguided hope for their future.

Upon arriving in Mercury, Mavis plans a nostalgic reunion at a local sports bar. She unexpectedly encounters Matt Freehauf, an old acquaintance who discusses his traumatic past and warns her about the implications of pursuing Buddy.

Mavis finally meets Buddy at the sports bar, where he invites her to a gig featuring his wife’s band. This meeting rekindles old feelings for Mavis, pushing her further into her fantasy about reviving their relationship.

At the concert, Mavis experiences overwhelming negativity from the other mothers, who still harbor resentment towards her. She feels increasingly alienated when the lead singer dedicates a song to Buddy, bringing her insecurities to the surface.

After a night of drinking, Mavis finds herself driving Buddy home, leading to a flirtatious kiss. However, their moment is shattered when the babysitter interrupts, leaving Mavis feeling confused about her desires.

Mavis attends the baby naming ceremony for Buddy's daughter, where she reveals her love for him in a moment of vulnerability. Buddy’s rejection deeply wounds her, spiraling into a public display of her long-suppressed grief over a past miscarriage.

Feeling ashamed and rejected, Mavis leaves the party in a state of emotional turmoil. This humiliation catalyzes her decision to seek comfort in Matt, marking a crucial turning point in her journey.

After the party, Mavis spends the night with Matt, leading to an unexpected moment of intimacy. Their connection provides Mavis with a sense of understanding and support as she grapples with her feelings.

The following morning, while Matt sleeps, Mavis has an insightful conversation with Sandra, who admires her. Despite Sandra's desire to join her in Minneapolis, Mavis decides to continue her journey alone, indicating her resolve to change.

While dining, Mavis finally finds her creative flow and writes the concluding chapter of her novel. The protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, paralleling Mavis's own quest to confront her past.

As she reflects on her journey, Mavis contemplates the damage to her car, a symbol of her reckless choices. This moment serves as a catalyst for her self-realization and determination to embrace hope and change in her life.

With renewed clarity, Mavis begins to understand her need for personal growth. Her experience in Mercury, filled with highs and lows, compels her to pursue a brighter future beyond her troubled past.