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Comedy

Candy Jar (2018): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Candy Jar (2018) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Echo Score
56
Candy Jar (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m (92 min)
Director
Ben Shelton
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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

Where to Watch Candy Jar

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Candy Jar

· 14 more
Ratings

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).

56 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Videos

Candy Jar Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Candy Jar.

Candy Jar | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who are the co-presidents of the debate club at Hemlock Prep Academy?

Cars

Cars in Candy Jar

8 cars on screen, including the 2000 BMW 3 Cabrio E46 and the 1985 Nissan Sentra.

All 8 cars
  • 2000 BMW 3 Cabrio E46 in Candy Jar 2000 BMW 3 Cabrio E46 Important role
  • 1985 Nissan Sentra in Candy Jar 1985 Nissan Sentra Important role
  • 2016 Tesla Model S in Candy Jar 2016 Tesla Model S Minor role
  • 2002 Jeep Liberty in Candy Jar 2002 Jeep Liberty Background role
Details

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
  • キャンディージャー

Seen Candy Jar?

FAQ

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.

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