10E 2019

A few years after the death of her mother, 17-year-old Tennie faces a significant blow to her reputation just as prom approaches. Though she is academically talented and exhibits maturity beyond her years, her sharp wit and rebellious streak often shine through. After a recent breakup with her boyfriend Jason, rumors begin to swirl, instigated by Jason himself, claiming their intimacy was less than stellar. Complicating her teenage life further is her father, Robert, a former Armenian advertising executive who, fresh from reconstructing his business, is striving to reconnect with his daughter amidst his own challenges.

In a twist of fate, Robert finds himself stalked by Jenny (Whitney Ann Jenkins), a woman he met through a real estate deal, who now presumes to be in a relationship with him. As the family navigates their newfound dynamics in Glendale, California, Robert’s life takes another turn when he loses his driver’s license due to drinking, compelling him to hire Jack, his assistant Daniella’s cousin, as his temporary driver. Their first outing brings Tennie to their new house, only a short distance from the old one; however, she remains unimpressed. The situation escalates when Robert orders Jack to maintain secrecy around his daughter, while Jenny pushes for introduction to Tennie.

Tennie’s daily struggles are further complicated as she reveals to her friend Michelle her perception of her relationship with Robert, suggesting it is merely a façade, noting she feels more connected to Aunt Melanie. Despite his attempts to gather insight, Robert finds little cooperation from his sister, Melanie, who only affirms Tennie’s feelings of anger towards him. As Robert performs various domestic routines—like breakfast and music—Tennie remains distant, rushing off to school where she finds support from Hamid (Sean Gamboa), a classmate enamored with her, in her conflict against Jason, and contention from Anna, who accuses Tennie of pursuing her boyfriend Narbeh.

The comedy of errors continues with Jason’s car vandalized, leading to Tennie’s unjust accusations at school, and further friction between her and Robert. Dramatically, tensions rise as Robert, under the advice of a therapist, is motivated to better relate to Tennie. In pursuit of this goal, he impulsively buys her a BMW, yet Tennie’s disinterest in it signifies the deep rift between them.

As Robert employs various methods to connect with his daughter—including his newfound driver Jack and a seemingly benign suggestion to create a dating profile for himself—Tennie begins her own strategy to encourage Robert to find a girlfriend, hoping to divert his intense focus. However, their paths collide when Tennie inadvertently discovers Jenny’s intentions to ingratiate herself into their lives, sparking a volatile outburst from her.

After multiple confrontations concerning their issues, Robert inadvertently discovers Tennie’s house party while being away, leading to further estrangement. The emotional climax escalates as Robert attempts to salvage their relationship through candid conversations about grief, love, and trust. Finally, the night of prom arrives, and Jack takes Tennie in style with a convertible Saab as Robert, softened by understanding and vulnerability, sees his daughter off, embracing the growth they have both experienced in the journey of healing and reconnection.