The Edge of Seventeen

Main Plot

"The Edge of Seventeen," directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, follows high school junior Nadine Franklin as she navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence. Struggling with the recent death of her father and feeling overshadowed by her popular older brother, Nadine's sense of isolation deepens when her best friend begins dating him. This betrayal leaves her feeling more alone than ever. Nadine's relationship with her mother is strained, and she finds herself confiding in her sarcastic history teacher, who becomes an unlikely source of support. As she grapples with her insecurities and the complexities of teenage life, Nadine embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to embrace her individuality and forge her own path. The film poignantly captures the angst, humor, and raw emotion of growing up, offering a heartfelt look at the challenges and triumphs of adolescence.

Characters

• Hailee Steinfeld plays Nadine, a high school junior navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendships, and family dynamics after her best friend starts dating her older brother.
• Haley Lu Richardson plays Krista, Nadine's best friend, whose relationship with Nadine becomes strained when she starts dating Nadine's older brother, Darian.
• Blake Jenner plays Darian Franklin, Nadine's older brother, whose relationship with her becomes strained when he starts dating her best friend, Krista.

Ending Explained

At the conclusion of "The Edge of Seventeen," directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, protagonist Nadine Franklin reaches a pivotal moment of self-realization and growth. After a tumultuous series of events, including conflicts with her best friend Krista and her brother Darian, as well as a misguided romantic pursuit, Nadine finds herself feeling isolated and misunderstood. The climax occurs when Nadine sends a distressing message to her teacher, Mr. Bruner, who provides her with a grounding perspective. Nadine's turning point comes when she reconciles with Darian, who reveals his own struggles and vulnerabilities, fostering mutual understanding. This reconciliation helps Nadine to see beyond her own issues and recognize the importance of empathy and connection. The film concludes with Nadine attending a party where she reconnects with Krista and begins to form a new friendship with Erwin, a classmate who genuinely cares for her. The ending signifies Nadine's emotional maturation, as she starts to navigate her relationships with more openness and less self-centeredness, suggesting a hopeful path forward.