What Is And Then I Go About?
The premise of And Then I Go in 312 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the muted corridors of a suburban junior‑high, the everyday clatter of lockers and hallway chatter masks a quieter storm of expectations and insecurity. The film captures that fragile middle ground between childhood and adulthood, painting a world where teachers try to inspire while parents, pressed for time, often miss the subtle signals of distress. The atmosphere is both intimate and unsettling, letting the audience feel the constant hum of judgment that hovers over every classroom and cafeteria table.
Edwin is a thoughtful, anxiety‑laden teen whose inner life is a canvas of doubt. He navigates a home that interprets his silence as typical teenage moodiness, while a school environment that rewards confidence makes his quiet nature feel out of place. His budding talent in art offers a fleeting glimpse of belonging, yet the weight of misunderstanding from both family and faculty threatens to keep him adrift.
Flake arrives as the school’s restless outsider, quick to react and quick to feel the sting of exclusion. His impulsive energy contrasts sharply with Edwin’s restraint, yet both boys share a deep sense of alienation. Their unlikely friendship forms in the shadows of hallway whispers and playground taunts, creating a bond that feels both protective and perilous. Together they discover a shared yearning to be seen and heard, a desire that fuels private conversations filled with frustration and restless dreaming.
As the semester progresses, the duo’s camaraderie drifts toward contemplation of something far more extreme than typical teenage rebellion. The film balances a raw, gritty tone with moments of quiet hope, suggesting that the line between seeking connection and chasing vengeance can blur when young lives are pushed to their limits. The story lingers on the tension between loyalty to a friend and the pull of family, inviting viewers to wonder how far these two boys will go before the world around them reshapes their choices.
What Happens in And Then I Go?
The complete story of And Then I Go, from the first scene to the last, in 556 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Edwin and his closest companion, Flake, navigate the challenging waters of junior high school, facing relentless bullying and deep-rooted feelings of isolation. While Edwin is characterized by his quiet sensitivity, Flake’s personality is marked by impulsivity and emotional outbursts. They endure immense pressure from both their peers and authority figures, including faculty members and their own parents, who mistakenly believe they are to blame for the turmoil they face. The truth, however, is that these boys are victims of bullying, with the conflict skewed heavily against them.
Edwin’s parents, particularly his father, often dismiss his struggles as typical teenage angst—until a meeting with the vice principal compels them to reconsider their stance. As their friendship develops, Flake reveals his father’s gun collection during an afterschool gathering and provocatively suggests the idea of retaliating against their tormentors. Edwin, feeling a strong sense of loyalty to his childhood friend, hesitantly agrees to entertain this dangerous notion.
Amidst this turmoil, Edwin’s artistic talent catches the eye of his art teacher, who encourages him to participate in an upcoming art competition. He is approached by two classmate girls expressing admiration for his skills, which momentarily boosts his self-esteem despite Flake’s mocking remarks. Yet, even as Edwin begins to feel a sense of belonging and potential, Flake remains relentless in focusing on their revenge plot, and both boys continue to be victimized.
A violent confrontation between the two friends results in Edwin returning home injured and in tears. Surprisingly, this period of non-contact helps Edwin find some emotional stability. However, a troubling encounter with a man and his son brings Edwin back to a place of distress, as he experiences aggression firsthand when he tries to reclaim his younger brother Gus’s toy ball. This incident further fuels Edwin’s desire for retribution. Reuniting, Flake and Edwin delve deeper into their explosive plans for revenge, especially after encountering an acquaintance, Herman, who also suffers bullying.
Herman’s plea—that “Someone’s got to do something”—and his expressed desire for a weapon spark concern in Edwin, yet Flake insists that Herman should join their scheme. As the crucial day of their school assembly draws near, Edwin faces an internal conflict as his mother unexpectedly plans a family trip, intending to reconnect with him. Stranded between loyalty to Flake and the warmth of his family, Edwin finds himself overwhelmed by guilt and hesitation.
On the eve of the assembly, as Edwin watches over his beloved younger brother, the boys prepare to execute their plan. The day unfolds with Edwin wishing his father well before he and Flake head to school, where he is instructed on the final steps of their scheme. However, when the moment of truth arrives, Flake acts without mercy, unleashing gunfire on their classmates, while Edwin stands paralyzed with dread, unable to pull the trigger. Chaos erupts, and in a tragic turn, Flake is shot dead by the police in his frantic attempts to reload his weapon.
In the aftermath, Edwin is left to grapple with the sorrow of his actions as he reflects on happier times spent with his family at the lake. The film closes with Edwin reminiscing about a joyful experience, saying, > “Good for you, kid. Good for you.” This poignant moment underscores the deeply conflicted journey of a young boy whose struggle between belonging and violence ultimately leads to heartbreaking consequences.
And Then I Go Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Edwin and Flake's Struggles Begin” to “Final Reflection”.
- 1
Edwin and Flake's Struggles Begin
Edwin and his friend Flake navigate the harsh realities of junior high school, facing persistent bullying that leaves them feeling isolated. Their experience is compounded by misunderstandings from peers and adults, who see them as the problem rather than the victims.
- 2
Parents Dismiss Concerns
Edwin's father and other authority figures dismiss his struggles as typical teenage angst. This misunderstanding continues until a frank meeting with the vice principal forces Edwin's parents to reconsider their views on their son's situation.
- 3
Flake's Dangerous Suggestion
During an afterschool gathering, Flake shows Edwin his father's gun collection and provocatively suggests revenge against their bullies. Edwin, feeling a strong sense of loyalty, begins to entertain these dangerous thoughts despite their moral implications.
- 4
Edwin's Artistic Talent Recognized
Edwin's artistic skills catch the attention of his art teacher, who encourages him to enter an upcoming art competition. At this moment, he experiences a brief boost in self-esteem when two classmates show admiration for his work.
- 5
Rising Tensions Between Friends
While Edwin attempts to embrace his art and newfound self-worth, Flake becomes increasingly fixated on their revenge plot. This growing tension causes a rift in their friendship, despite their shared experiences as bullying victims.
- 6
Violent Confrontation
A violent altercation between Flake and Edwin leaves Edwin injured and emotionally shattered. This incident prompts a period of separation that unexpectedly brings Edwin some emotional stability and reflection on his choices.
- 7
Encounter with Aggression
Edwin's sense of safety is disrupted when he tries to reclaim a toy ball from a man and his son, facing aggression in a very personal way. This experience heightens his feelings of anger and desire for retaliation.
- 8
Herman Joins the Plot
Reuniting with Flake, Edwin finds their bond reinforced as they meet Herman, another victim of bullying. Herman's desperate plea for action and mention of needing a weapon add to Edwin's moral conflict as he feels the seduction of vengeance.
- 9
Family Trip vs. Loyalty to Flake
As the school assembly day approaches, Edwin's mother plans a family trip to reconnect with him. Caught between his loyalty to Flake and the warmth of family, Edwin grapples with guilt and fear about their impending actions.
- 10
Preparation for the Assembly
On the eve of the assembly, Flake and Edwin prepare to execute their revenge plan. Edwin has a heartfelt moment with his father, drawing him further into the emotional conflict of the situation, as he wishes his father well.
Show the other 4 events of And Then I Go Hide the last 4 events
- 11
The Moment of Truth
As chaos breaks out during the school assembly, Flake acts against their classmates by unleashing gunfire. Edwin stands frozen in terror, desiring to stop Flake but feeling incapable of doing so.
- 12
Tragic Consequences
In the midst of the chaos, Flake is shot by police while attempting to reload his weapon, marking a tragic climax to their revenge. Edwin is left to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the loss of his friend.
- 13
Reflection on Sweet Memories
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Edwin finds himself reflecting on happier moments spent with his family at the lake. These bittersweet memories highlight his internal conflicts and longing for belonging amidst the chaos.
- 14
Final Reflection
As the film draws to a close, Edwin encapsulates his emotional journey by reminiscing about his past. The poignant line, 'Good for you, kid. Good for you,' captures his conflicting feelings of loss, guilt, and nostalgia.
Who Are the Main Characters in And Then I Go?
2 characters, among them Edwin and Flake: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- E
Edwin
Played by Arman Darbo
Edwin is characterized by his quiet sensitivity and artistic talent, making him a relatable figure in the face of bullying. He faces immense struggles from peers and pressure from his family, who dismiss his emotional distress. As his friendship with Flake evolves, Edwin must navigate feelings of loyalty and internal conflict regarding their violent plans, leading him to a poignant realization about himself and his relationships.
- 🎨 Art
- 💔 Vulnerability
- 😢 Isolation
- F
Flake
Played by Sawyer Barth
Flake is impulsive and emotionally driven, often pushing Edwin towards reckless decisions. His relentless focus on revenge overshadows their friendship, creating tension between them. Despite moments of camaraderie, Flake's violent tendencies culminate in a tragic outcome that forces both characters to confront their actions and motivations.
- 🗡️ Revenge
- 💔 Friendship
- 🔥 Impulsivity
Where and When Is And Then I Go Set?
And Then I Go is set in Junior High School (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal challenges regarding bullying and mental health. During this period, discussions around adolescent struggles and school violence have become increasingly relevant, impacting both students and their families.
Where
Junior High School
The movie predominantly takes place in a junior high school setting, which serves as a battleground for the pressures and conflicts faced by Edwin and Flake. This environment is known for its social hierarchies, where bullying thrives, impacting the emotional well-being of students. The school acts as a microcosm of larger societal issues, reflecting the struggles adolescents face during their formative years.
- 🏫 School
- 🌆 Urban
What Are the Themes of And Then I Go?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Bullying, Art and Expression and Violence and Retribution.
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01
Bullying
Bullying stands as a central theme in 'And Then I Go,' highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it takes on young individuals. The film showcases how Edwin and Flake become victims of relentless harassment, prompting their desire for retribution. This theme serves to raise awareness of the urgent need for compassion and intervention in addressing bullying in schools.
-
02
Art and Expression
Art becomes a symbol of hope and self-identity for Edwin, providing a respite from the chaos of his life. His artistic talent is acknowledged by his teacher, which briefly elevates his self-esteem amidst the turmoil. This theme emphasizes the importance of creative expression as a means of coping with personal struggles.
-
03
Violence and Retribution
The theme of violence permeates the narrative, as Edwin grapples with feelings of loyalty and the temptation of retaliation against his bullies. This internal conflict ultimately leads to tragic consequences, urging viewers to contemplate the impact of violent thoughts and their repercussions in real life.
What Kind of Film Is And Then I Go?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A heavy and tense drama that immerses the viewer in the oppressive anxiety and profound loneliness of two bullied teenagers, building with a sense of inevitable dread towards a tragic and heartbreaking conclusion.
- anxious
- oppressive
- lonely
- tragic
- somber
- dread-filled
- school shooting
- bullying
- friendship
- teen angst
Content notes: school shooting, gun violence, bullying, child death, trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember And Then I Go? Test yourself on the story.
