Candy Jar (2018): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch
Candy Jar is a 2018 comedy directed by Ben Shelton, starring Sami Gayle as Lona, Christina Hendricks and Uzo Aduba. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Stream it on Netflix.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 32m (92 min)
- Director
- Ben Shelton
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Candy Jar About?
The premise of Candy Jar without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A shy and unassuming teenager finds herself drawn to a sophisticated debate competitor from a privileged background. As they engage in intellectual sparring, they begin to uncover a surprising vulnerability within themselves and each other. Despite their differing social circles, an unexpected connection blossoms, suggesting a chance for an unlikely relationship to develop.
Candy Jar Themes & Keywords
· 31 tags- reference to diane keaton
- reference to taylor swift
- rivalry
- high school
- debate
- state level competition
- club president
- fast talking
- death
- guidance counsellor
- road accident
- state senator
+19 more Show fewer
- single mother
- dead father
- adopted child
- college admission form
- harvard
- yale
- state qualifier
- senior prom
- homecoming dance
- stiletto
- french fries
- cookies
- movie theater
- milkshake
- reference to j.k. simmons
- high school debater
- georgia usa
- interracial romance
- independent film
Where to Watch Candy Jar
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 2
Candy Jar Cast & Characters
Sami Gayle leads the cast as Lona, with Christina Hendricks as Amy and Uzo Aduba as Julia. Directed by Ben Shelton; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ben Shelton
-
Sami Gayle as Lona -
Christina Hendricks as Amy -
Uzo Aduba as Julia -
Helen Hunt as Kathy
Also Starring in Candy Jar
· 14 more- Wilbur Fitzgerald Davidson Principal
- Jacob Latimore Bennett
- Evan Castelloe Zack
- Alexandra Ficken Newnan Debater
- Tom Bergeron Principal Nelson
- Tracey Bonner Newnan Principal
- Paul Tigue Mr. Johnson
- Zack Shires Davidson Debater #1
- Austin Flynn Twin Taylor
- Blake Flynn Twin Tanner
- Donovan Elmore
- Judy Clement
- April Etchart
- Corey Creque
Candy Jar Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Candy Jar 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 56/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).
Candy Jar Echo Score Breakdown
Candy Jar draws both praise for its realistic emotional core and criticism for its predictable pacing and modest visual ambition. Multiple reviewers note the balance between lighthearted charm and grounded character interaction, though others find the narrative flow uneven and familiar. Positive sentiment highlights the film’s warm tone and genuine chemistry, while detractors cite sluggish moments and limited stylistic flair. This blend of modest strengths and noticeable limitations yields a middling yet approachable teen romance that satisfies some but falls short of broader appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 50
In terms of art and craft, Candy Jar presents competent but unremarkable visual execution. Direction relies on straightforward shot compositions and functional production design without distinctive visual motifs. The brisk editing supports rapid dialogue but occasionally feels jarring, undermining moment-to-moment flow. While coherent in presentation, the film’s restrained cinematography and design limit its aesthetic impact. Overall, the art direction maintains professionalism without elevating the material.
- Character & Emotion 70
When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from warm chemistry and relatable emotional beats. The leads convey genuine camaraderie, and their growth through debate challenges adds depth. Some supporting performances feel less developed, and occasional clichés soften the impact of key moments. Nevertheless, the primary duo’s realistic interactions and measured emotional arcs provide the strongest dramatic foundation.
- Story & Flow 55
In terms of story and flow, Candy Jar delivers a familiar teen romance narrative with modest originality. The central rivalry offers clear stakes, and themes of collaboration emerge naturally. However, predictable plot turns and uneven pacing undercut sustained engagement for some viewers. At times the narrative feels formulaic, and the resolution arrives in a conventional manner. The story maintains coherence but lacks surprising developments.
- Sensory Experience 50
Regarding sensory experience, the film’s audio-visual presentation remains serviceable yet unobtrusive. The soundtrack complements emotional moments with gentle melodies but does not stand out. Sound mixing emphasizes dialogue clarity, though rapid-fire exchanges sometimes challenge audibility. Visually, the palette is straightforward and realistic without striking flourishes. Overall, the sensory elements support the narrative without significantly enhancing it.
- Rewatch Factor 45
For rewatch value, Candy Jar offers moderate appeal on subsequent viewings. The welcoming tone and interpersonal dynamics remain pleasant, but predictability and modest stylistic ambition limit lasting attraction. Viewers seeking light entertainment may revisit for the central chemistry, yet those desiring deeper surprises may find little incentive to return. The film’s replay factor is functional but not compelling.
-
IMDb 5.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 65%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 61% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.8 /5
32 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Candy Jar Plot Summary
What happens in Candy Jar from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the bustling principal’s office of Hemlock Prep Academy, Lona Skinner finds herself in deep contemplation about her disdain for her only debate club member, Bennet Russell. As they vie for the prestigious title of president of their two-person debate club—an opportunity that promises to enhance their college applications, with Lona aiming for Harvard and Bennet for Yale—the principal unexpectedly appoints them as co-presidents, much to their dismay.
At the highly-anticipated debate tournament, tensions run high as Lona’s mother, Amy, and Bennet’s mother, Julia, engage in a passive-aggressive exchange. Both Lona and Bennet excel, ultimately reaching the finals and being named co-champions due to their shared school affiliation. Following the tournament, the two submit their college applications, each with their hopes set high for their dream schools.
Full summary
The whole story of Candy Jar, scene by scene
Candy Jar Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Candy Jar.
How Well Do You Know Candy Jar?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who are the co-presidents of the debate club at Hemlock Prep Academy?
Cars in Candy Jar
8 cars on screen, including the 2000 BMW 3 Cabrio E46 and the 1985 Nissan Sentra.
-
2000 BMW 3 Cabrio E46 Important role -
1985 Nissan Sentra Important role -
2016 Tesla Model S Minor role -
2002 Jeep Liberty Background role
Candy Jar Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “Şeker Kavanozu” and “캔디상자”.
- Also known as
-
- Şeker Kavanozu
- 캔디상자
- 糖果罐
- Doce Argumento
- Το Βάζο με τα Γλυκά
- צנצנת הממתקים
- Dolci scelte
- 캔디 상자
- Банка конфет
- Słodki wybór
- Caixa de Doces, კამფეტების ქილა
- Банка цукерок
+1 more Show fewer
- キャンディージャー
Seen Candy Jar?
Movies Like Candy Jar
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Strangers with Candy, The Candy Kid and Candy Rain.
Candy Jar FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Candy Jar, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Candy Jar?
Candy Jar runs 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).
When was Candy Jar released?
Candy Jar was released on April 27, 2018.
Who directed Candy Jar?
Candy Jar was directed by Ben Shelton.
More films by Ben Shelton Who is in the cast of Candy Jar?
Candy Jar stars Sami Gayle as Lona, Christina Hendricks as Amy and Uzo Aduba as Julia, among 18 credited actors.
Where can I watch Candy Jar?
In the US, Candy Jar is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).
How is Candy Jar rated?
Candy Jar has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 61% on TMDB and 2.8/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Candy Jar have a post-credit scene?
No. Candy Jar has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
