M.F.A. 2017

Luke Owen, an MFA graduate student at Balboa University specializing in visual arts, extends an invitation to his shy classmate, Noelle, for a gathering at his residence. As a moment of intimacy unfolds in Luke’s bedroom, his behavior takes a dark turn when he commits an act of aggression against Noelle, which she cannot comprehend. The emotional toll of the encounter weighs heavily on her as she confides in her roommate, Skye, who urges her to stay silent, recalling a painful story of someone else who dared to speak out against their assault and faced humiliation from the university’s administration.

Determined to find solace, Noelle seeks help from campus psychotherapist Melinda Sanders, but her experience of feeling judged only deepens her trauma. As Luke attempts to reconnect with her, Noelle confronts him about the horrific act, demanding accountability. The confrontation escalates, resulting in an accident that leads Luke to fall to his death.

In response to this tragedy, Detective Kennedy initiates an investigation, questioning Noelle but ultimately allowing her to leave. As she processes the events, Noelle stumbles upon an article documenting another case involving Kappa Phi fraternity members, including Mason, who were exonerated from sexual assault accusations. Disturbingly, she discovers footage of a victimized girl, sparking her need for justice.

Driven to action, Noelle approaches the original victim, Lindsey, revealing her intention to dedicate her thesis to the perpetrators. However, she also attends a campus rape prevention group that leaves her frustrated by its ineffectual focus. Taking matters into her own hands, Noelle infiltrates a Kappa Phi party, seduces Mason, drugs him, and kills him in a fit of rage.

Meanwhile, Noelle’s art begins to showcase her internal struggle, with stark changes in style noted by her professor, Rudd, and classmates. An escalating cycle of violence follows as Noelle visits the fraternity house once more and murders Jeremiah before brutally dispatching Conor in a confrontation at the stadium locker room.

As she navigates her recovery from trauma, Noelle’s relationship with her roommate, Skye, becomes strained. Upon discovering that Skye herself had been a victim of sexual assault but had previously chosen not to press charges, Noelle feels the weight of their shared pain. Determined to uncover the truth, she unearths hidden statistics on campus and accuses Melinda of manipulating records to shield the school from scandal.

In a chilling turn, Noelle captures her own assailant, Calvin, wielding a stun gun and holding him hostage on the basketball court. However, when confronted by the police, panic ensues, and she is forced to make a drastic decision, leading to Calvin’s injury. With each step further into darkness, Detective Kennedy recognizes the connection between Noelle and the series of murders around campus.

Skye, realizing the effect of Noelle’s choices, confronts her, a confrontation that spirals into despair as Skye ultimately takes her own life, leaving Noelle to grapple with the consequences of their shared trauma. After a cryptic interview with Detective Kennedy, where Noelle insinuates that the victims somewhat deserved their fates, she grapples with closure by burning Skye’s confession.

Finally, at graduation, Noelle’s powerful commencement speech encapsulates her journey through suffering, justice, and loss. However, just as hope seems attainable, the weight of her choices culminates in her arrest by Detective Kennedy, leaving her future hanging in the balance.