Directed by

Paul Lynch
Made by

Flying Pictures Productions
See current US streaming, rental, and purchase options for Flying (1986) via JustWatch.
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Flying (1986). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Flying (1986) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Car accident ends Robin's gymnastics pursuit
During a car accident, Robin's father is killed and she sustains a severe leg injury that ends her competitive gymnastics. The tragedy also reshapes her family life as she recovers. She begins to train away from the spotlight, laying the groundwork for a future comeback.
Marge remarries Jack; Robin suffers at home
Robin's mother Marge marries a man named Jack, whose presence makes Robin's home life more hostile. Jack's mistreatment compounds the hardship she already faces from the accident. The stress drives Robin to seek support outside the house.
Robin trains in secret at an empty warehouse
With the help of Roy and Fred, Robin trains in secret at an empty warehouse to rebuild her strength. She pushes through pain and memories of the past as she works toward a comeback. This covert effort becomes the foundation for her later return to competition.
Robin starts at a new Buffalo high school
Robin begins at a new high school in Buffalo and quickly draws the attention of a classmate named Tommy. She also finds herself drawn to Mark, Leah's boyfriend, complicating her social circle. The tense rivalries and budding friendships set the stage for her return to gymnastics.
Leah and Stacy bully Robin; Carly befriends her
Two gymnasts, Leah and Stacy, bully Robin at school, testing her resolve. Robin remains determined and eventually befriends Carly, a supportive teammate who helps her in dark times. The contrasting experiences underscore Robin's resilience and growing circle of allies.
Robin makes the Flyers after getting back in shape
After months of training, Robin earns a spot on the Buffalo Flyers team. Her return to form earns respect from teammates and coaches alike. Joining the team marks a major milestone in her comeback.
Leah and Stacy prank Robin about Mark
Leah and Stacy prank Robin by making her believe Mark is interested in her, fueling insecurity and tension within the team. Carly tries to keep Robin grounded as she navigates the tricky social dynamics. The prank heightens the pressure on her as she prepares to compete.
Robin tries to talk to Tommy; he starts seeing other girls
Robin tries to talk to Tommy, but he begins seeing other girls, complicating their budding relationship. The distraction adds emotional strain as she balances training and school life. She resolves to focus more on her gymnastics comeback.
Marge dies and Robin leaves Jack's house
As the regional trials approach, Marge dies, prompting Robin to leave Jack's house. The loss drives her to rely more on friends and training as a source of stability. The change accelerates her focus on the upcoming competition.
Robin and Tommy begin dating
Robin and Tommy officially begin dating after Marge's death. Tommy invites her to his house, and they become a couple, providing emotional support as she continues training. The relationship gives Robin additional motivation to perform well at the regional competition.
Robin continues training with Carly and Tommy
With support from Carly and Tommy, Robin continues to train, refining routines and building confidence. They balance school, friendship, and family drama while pushing toward the regional meet. The coaching and camaraderie help her maintain focus on her goal.
Regional competition at Niagara Falls
Robin enters the regional competition in Niagara Falls, where she trails Leah going into the final floor routine. Jack arrives at the meet and attacks her, but Roy and Fred defend her. She delivers a flawless routine and earns a perfect 10, securing the win for the event.
Explore all characters from Flying (1986). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Robin (Olivia d'Abo)
A teenage gymnast who has stepped back from competition after a car accident that killed her father. She secretly trains in an empty warehouse with the support of Roy and Fred, navigating bullying from Leah and Stacy while developing a friendship with Carly and a romance with Tommy. Her resilience drives her return to the team and culminates in a perfect 10 at the regional final.
Tommy (Keanu Reeves)
Robin's classmate who gradually becomes her love interest. He is patient and supportive, encouraging her to pursue a relationship while respecting her boundaries, and he helps her stay motivated to train and compete as their bond deepens.
Leah Kilbourne (Renee Murphy)
Robin's nasty teammate on the Buffalo Flyers who bullies her and embodies rivalry within the squad. Her actions create social tension and test Robin's resolve during practices and competitions.
Stacy (Samantha Logan)
Another bully on the Flyers who participates in pranks and creates friction for Robin as she fights to rejoin the team.
Jack Crew (Sean McCann)
Robin's stepfather who mistreats her, creating a tense home life that underscores her struggles until she gains support from her friends and mother.
Marge Crew (Samantha Langevin)
Robin's mother who later dies, a turning point that forces Robin to leave Jack's house and face the challenges on her own while continuing to pursue gymnastics.
Roy Teler (Eugene Clark)
A bus driver who becomes a steadfast ally to Robin, defending her at competitions and helping her stay focused on training.
Carly Simmons (Jessica Steen)
A friend on the Flyers who supports Robin, helps her train, and provides social warmth amid the team's tensions.
Fred Stoner (Denis Simpson)
A security guard who befriends Robin and helps her stay motivated, offering practical and emotional backing during the comeback.
Gillian Crew (Nicole Kolman)
A member of the Crew group who appears in the social circle surrounding the Flyers, contributing to the team dynamics in a supporting role.
Learn where and when Flying (1986) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Buffalo, New York, Niagara Falls, New York
Buffalo, New York serves as the backdrop for Robin's life, a city with a close-knit school community and a strong local sports culture centered on high school gymnastics. The regional meet takes place in nearby Niagara Falls, adding drama and scale to the Flyers' season.
Discover the main themes in Flying (1986). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💪
Resilience
Robin's journey is defined by resilience as she rebuilds her gymnastics career after a car accident that killed her father. She trains in secret at an empty warehouse, supported by Roy and Fred. She faces bullying from Leah and Stacy, but uses her trauma to fuel her comeback. Her flawless floor routine and a perfect 10 at the regional meet symbolize a renewed sense of purpose.
🤝
Support and Friendship
Robin's support system—Roy, Carly, and Fred—forms the backbone of her comeback. They provide practical help, emotional backing, and a sense of belonging that helps her endure the bullying and tragedy. Their loyalty gives Robin space to train and grow, even as she navigates a tricky school dynamic. This theme shows how friendship and mentorship empower a young athlete to persevere.
❤️
Love and Relationships
Robin's relationship with Tommy develops from a tentative crush into a meaningful romance. Their bond offers emotional grounding and motivation to train harder. The romance navigates the social pressures of the Flyers' world, including Leah's meddling and the distractions of competing. In the end, their relationship coincides with Robin's triumph.

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