I Believe in Unicorns 2015

As a high school freshman from Berkeley, Davina finds her life intricately tied to the ongoing struggles of her mother, who battles the unyielding advance of multiple sclerosis. The absence of her father, who left shortly after her birth, has profoundly affected Davina’s sense of identity, leaving her feeling adrift. On her 16th birthday, she enjoys a simple celebration with her closest friend, Cassidy (character A), who generously gifts her a camera. It’s during a delightful picnic that Davina’s gaze first lands on Sterling, a rebellious punk known for cruising the park’s skate ramp with his crew.

As Davina’s infatuation with Sterling grows, she begins to immortalize him through her camera lens. Their paths converge, leading to a brief exchange that ends with Sterling inviting her to meet again at a nearby street corner. Taking a leap of faith, Davina agrees, and the two embark on a shared day full of deep conversations, revealing their mutual yearning to break free from their stifling realities.

In their time together, Davina learns about Sterling’s troubled past, including the escape from his abusive father, which opens her eyes to the struggles he endures. The tension of their shared longing for freedom binds them closer, and as night falls, Sterling invites Davina to his humble home in a more challenging part of town. Their chemistry ignites into a passionate moment, marking a significant turning point in their young lives.

The dawn after their encounter brings mixed feelings for Davina. She is filled with the weight of new love and a budding awareness that it may not last. Confiding in Cassidy about her sexual awakening, Davina seeks comfort and understanding from her steadfast friend. Drawn back into Sterling’s world, Davina attends a lively rave where she tries to reignite their spark, only to be met with Sterling’s rejection, leaving her heartbroken yet resilient.

However, Sterling eventually reaches out with an apology, leading the couple into a chaotic yet passionate relationship. As they contemplate leaving Berkeley together, they embark on a road trip to escape the confines of their lives. The journey, however, proves to be rife with strain as Davina starts to draw parallels between Sterling and his father, igniting fierce arguments.

The climax of their tension surfaces when Davina suggests they head back home, while Sterling insists on continuing their odyssey. Amidst this turmoil of desires and inner demons, they must face the daunting reality that their connection might not withstand the obstacles ahead.

As the night wanes, their space in a motel becomes a delicate haven, challenged by Davina’s probing questions about their emotional bond. Sterling’s vague responses, matched with his ardent praises of her beauty, leave Davina teetering between intimacy and uncertainty. Their playful moments take a drastic turn when a gentle reprimand from Davina incites Sterling’s violence, prompting a stark warning never to challenge him again. The situation escalates tragically, leaving Davina emotionally scarred.

The day after brings them to a serene barn setting, where Davina’s wish to leave clashes with Sterling’s crumbling emotional state. As she attempts to comfort him, driven by guilt and empathy, their passion ignites for one last time. However, when hesitation creeps in, Sterling’s desperate actions shatter their relationship irreparably. The aftermath of that fateful night forces Davina to return home, accompanied by Cassidy, her spirit bruised and battered, mirroring the weary roads they travel.