What Is Kiss and Cry About?
The premise of Kiss and Cry in 316 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the glittering yet demanding world of elite figure skating, a young athlete returns to her hometown to chase the razor‑thin edge of perfection. The ice rink becomes a crucible where raw talent meets relentless discipline, and every practice session feels like a high‑stakes performance under an unblinking spotlight. Amidst the hushed applause of spectators and the fierce silent rivalry of fellow skaters, the film captures the intoxicating blend of beauty and pressure that defines the sport.
Carley Elle Allison, a seventeen‑year‑old with a bright smile and an unstoppable mantra to “always find a reason to be happy,” navigates this world with a unique mix of grit and levity. Alongside her rigorous training schedule, she balances a love for singing, a close‑knit family, and a circle of friends who keep her grounded. Her upbeat outlook masks the inner turmoil of a teenager whose dreams are as fragile as the thin blades she glides on, and whose heart beats to the rhythm of both music and the icy chorus of competition.
As the season intensifies, Carley faces the inevitable challenges that accompany any high‑performance pursuit: demanding coaches, the subtle politics of peer rivalry, and the ever‑present whisper of self‑doubt. A budding connection with a thoughtful biology classmate, John, offers a comforting thread of normalcy, while her family’s steady presence provides a warm counterpoint to the cold precision of the rink. The narrative hints at unexpected hurdles that test her resilience, suggesting that the path to greatness is rarely a straight line.
The tone of the film is at once uplifting and introspective, weaving moments of graceful elegance with the raw, sometimes chaotic energy of teenage life. It invites viewers to feel the thrum of the ice, the echo of applause, and the quiet determination that fuels a young athlete’s quest for excellence, all while pondering the delicate balance between ambition and the simple joy of simply being.
What Happens in Kiss and Cry?
The complete story of Kiss and Cry, from the first scene to the last, in 589 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Carley Elle Allison is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater in Toronto, chasing a spot on Canada’s national team while juggling a life that also includes singing, a tight-knit family, and a group of close friends. Her upbeat motto propels her through the highs and lows: > “always smile” or “find a reason to be happy”. She enjoys the momentum of her training, and at a party she meets John, a kind and friendly classmate from biology, who soon becomes a bright spot in her world.
Her path takes an unexpected turn when she begins to feel increasingly short of breath. The symptoms are initially mistaken for asthma, and the prescribed inhaler offers little relief. A sequence of medical tests follows, and after a date with John ends abruptly, she is rushed to the hospital. Doctors uncover a rare cancerous tumor outside her trachea, and her fight begins with a tracheal surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy. Throughout this ordeal, she faces the challenge with a resilient spirit, and her family keeps a sense of humor, even when changing a tracheostomy tube becomes part of their daily routine.
In these difficult moments, the support around her shines. Her mother stands by her side, Dinara Drukarova bringing warmth and steadiness to the family’s response, while she also leans on the encouragement of those around her. A nurse’s steady care and the presence of loved ones help her navigate the hospital days and long nights, and a crucial element of her courage is the choice to remain positive even when hair loss becomes part of the battle. When a lock of hair falls, she warns John that things will get tougher, yet he remains steadfast, professing his love as they grow closer.
Her journey to resilience continues as she records a bald vlog, sharing her experience with the world. A prom night arrives with a drum-set invitation from John that lights up her window view, and she guides him to the rink to learn a few skating steps. A brief, chilly encounter with former teammates tests her, but she finds inspiration elsewhere—Selena Gomez offers words of encouragement in a supportive online message, reminding her that she is not alone in this fight.
Back at school, she is welcomed with an outpouring of love and messages of support. A fundraising event called Haircuts for Cancer raises awareness and funds for research, and she does a televised interview where she speaks about her mindset—treating cancer like a contact sport and continuing to move forward so it cannot define her. John joins her for the prom, marking a poignant moment of normalcy and companionship, as she teaches him a few skating moves and, in the process, they deepen their bond.
As the months pass, her resilience bears fruit in small triumphs: her hair regrows, the tumor is removed, and doctors give her the hopeful line, “So far, so good.” She returns to the ice for skating and even lends her voice to open a televised NHL game by singing “O Canada.” John welcomes her Greek family to a home-cooked dinner, highlighting the warmth of the people who rally around her.
Tragedy strikes again when she is rediagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs. The news reshapes the couple’s future, but their love endures. Ultimately, Carley’s fight ends in the same year, as she passes away at the age of 19. In her memory, Carley’s Angels Foundation is established to help cover significant medical costs and to continue supporting others facing similar battles.
Kiss and Cry Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Meet John and a budding romance in Toronto” to “Passing and legacy begins”. 13 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Meet John and a budding romance in Toronto
Carley Elle Allison is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater based in Toronto, balancing training with school and family. She meets John, a boy from her biology class, at a party, and their romance begins. This relationship becomes a central thread as her health battles unfold.
When:early in the story Where:Toronto, at a party
- 2
First signs of illness and misdiagnosis
Carley begins to feel sick with severe breathlessness, which her doctors initially dismiss as asthma. An inhaler offers little relief, and doctors order tests to find the cause. The symptoms disrupt her skating and daily life.
When:early in illness Where:Toronto, medical settings
- 3
Collapse and cancer diagnosis
On a date with John, Carley collapses and is rushed to the hospital. Doctors discover a rare cancerous tumor outside her trachea (melanoma). This diagnosis marks a turning point from a hopeful season to a brutal fight.
When:a few weeks after initial symptoms Where:Hospital, Toronto
- 4
Tracheal surgery
Carley undergoes tracheal surgery to remove the tumor. Recovery is difficult, including adjustments to her breathing.
When:shortly after diagnosis Where:Hospital
- 5
Beginning chemotherapy
Weeks after surgery, she begins chemotherapy to attack the cancer. The treatment is grueling but she stays focused on beating the disease.
When:weeks after surgery Where:Hospital
- 6
Hair loss and unwavering support
During treatment, Carley loses her hair but keeps a positive outlook. Her family surrounds her with humor and support, and John remains by her side, choosing to stay positive with her.
When:during treatment Where:Home and hospital
- 7
Bald vlog and prom invitation
Carley records a vlog about being bald, sharing her resilience with others. Soon after, John asks her to the prom with a drum set, a heartfelt gesture that brightens her day.
When:days after hair loss Where:Home
- 8
Prom night, skating lesson, and encounters
Carley and John go to the prom together, and she teaches him to skate at the rink. She also encounters two former skating teammates who rebuff her, though Selena Gomez later posts encouraging words on YouTube.
When:after prom Where:Prom venue and rink
- 9
School return and community support
Back at school, Carley is welcomed with messages of love and encouragement from friends and teachers. The supportive atmosphere helps sustain her through recovery.
When:months after initial diagnosis Where:School
- 10
Haircuts for Cancer and TV interview
Carley participates in the Haircuts for Cancer fundraiser and gives a televised interview, sharing her motto to treat cancer like a contact sport—keep moving to beat it.
When:during fundraising period Where:Fundraiser event and TV studio
Show the other 3 events of Kiss and Cry Hide the last 3 events
- 11
NHL moment and family dinner
Months later, Carley is invited to sing O Canada to open a televised NHL game, a sign of her resilience. John also brings his Greek family to dinner at Carley's home, showing how life continues despite illness.
When:months later Where:NHL arena and Carley's home
- 12
Relapse: rediagnosis with lung cancer
A few months later, Carley is rediagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs. John and Carley reaffirm their love as they face another battle.
When:later that year Where:Hospital
- 13
Passing and legacy begins
Carley passes away at 19, bringing an early end to her bright life. In her honor, Carley’s Angels Foundation is founded to help cover high medical costs and preserve her memory.
When:later that year Where:Hospital and foundation
Who Are the Main Characters in Kiss and Cry?
7 characters, among them Sarah Ivanov (Sarah Bramms), Sarah's mother (Dinara Drukarova) and Xavier, the trainer (Xavier Dias): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SI
Sarah Ivanov (Sarah Bramms)
Played by Sarah Bramms
A teenage skater whose drive and optimism push her toward national-team dreams. She faces a cancer diagnosis with grit, maintaining a positive outlook and using online sharing to inspire others. Her journey includes a battle through surgery and chemotherapy, an eventual return to the ice, and a bittersweet end.
- 🎯 Teen athlete
- 🏅 Skater
- 💪 Resilient
-
Sarah's mother (Dinara Drukarova)
Played by Dinara Drukarova
A supportive, humorous, and emotionally strong presence who keeps the family grounded during medical crises. She helps manage daily routines and makes difficult moments feel survivable with warmth. Her steadfast support underpins the protagonist's fight.
- 👩👧 Family-first
- 💖 Supportive
- 🌟 Courageous
- XT
Xavier, the trainer (Xavier Dias)
Played by Xavier Dias
A patient and encouraging coach who recognizes talent and pushes for a comeback. He adapts training to the protagonist's health, offering guidance and belief when progress seems uncertain. His mentorship embodies resilience through sport.
- 🧑🏫 Mentor
- ⚡ Focused
- 🎯 Goal-driven
- A(
Aurélie (Aurélie Faula)
Played by Aurélie Faula
A supportive friend who helps keep the social fabric around the athlete intact. She offers practical encouragement and shares in both small joys and difficult moments. Her presence reinforces the importance of community in times of illness.
- 👩👓 Friend
- 💖 Loyal
- 🌟 Cheerful
- C(
Carla-Marie (Carla-Marie Santerre)
Played by Carla-Marie Santerre
A skating teammate who navigates shifting dynamics and moments of tension with honesty. She evolves from initial distance to supportive involvement within the team. Her arc highlights the complexities of friendship in a high-pressure environment.
- 🤝 Teammate
- 🌀 Complex
- 🎽 Skating
- A(
Amanda (Amanda Pierre)
Played by Amanda Pierre
A friend involved in fundraising and practical support, illustrating how communities rally to help cover medical costs. She contributes to a broader network of care and encouragement.
- 🎗️ Supporter
- 🤍 Friend
- 🏥 Medical ally
- N(
Noémie (Noémie Carroué)
Played by Noémie Carroué
A student friend who offers encouragement through school and online networks, representing peers who cheer on a young athlete's journey. She adds to the sense of a supportive community around the protagonist.
- 🎒 Student
- 🌈 Supporter
- 📣 Voice of encouragement
Where and When Is Kiss and Cry Set?
Kiss and Cry is set in Toronto and Canada (2010s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2010s
Set in the early to mid-2010s, the story sits in a period when smartphones, vlogs, and social media amplify personal journeys. It follows a teen skater through demanding training, school life, and public events like prom and televised games. The era's connected culture shapes how friends, family, and fans respond to illness and resilience.
Where
Toronto, Canada
The film unfolds in Toronto, a large Canadian city with a rich skating culture and accessible ice rinks that frame the protagonist's daily life. It shows a city of schools, media attention, and community spaces where training, healing, and performances take place. The urban backdrop highlights the support network around a young athlete facing illness.
- 🏙️ Toronto
- 🎬 Canadian setting
What Are the Themes of Kiss and Cry?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Illness, Love and Sport.
-
01
Illness
Illness drives the plot as a rare cancer diagnosis changes a young athlete's life. The story chronicles medical steps from surgery to chemotherapy, and the emotional strain on family and friends. Yet the protagonist faces each setback with humor, grit, and a refusal to give up, while a community rallying around her raises awareness and support.
-
02
Love
Romantic love and steadfast friendship provide fuel for resilience in the face of adversity. The bond with a caring partner shows how support and loyalty can sustain hope during tough treatments. Family affection and peer encouragement underscore the idea that love helps people endure hardship. The film uses these relationships to highlight human connection as a source of strength.
-
03
Sport
Figure skating is the protagonist's identity and compass, driving training, competition, and goals like joining the national team. The journey back to the ice after surgeries demonstrates athletic discipline, perseverance, and courage. Coaches, teammates, and fans become part of a supportive ecosystem that motivates a comeback and public performances. The sport serves as a vehicle for personal growth and public inspiration.
What Kind of Film Is Kiss and Cry?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
An inspiring yet deeply tragic story of a young athlete's courageous battle with cancer, balancing heartfelt moments of love and resilience against the overwhelming weight of a terminal diagnosis.
- hopeful
- resilient
- tragic
- heartfelt
- inspiring
- somber
- teenage cancer
- coming of age
- young love
- competitive sports
Content notes: terminal illness, cancer, medical trauma, death of a young person.
Quiz
How well do you remember Kiss and Cry? Test yourself on the story.
