Logo What's After the Movie
G.B.F.

G.B.F. 2014

Runtime

92 min

Language

English

English

Test your knowledge of G.B.F. with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for G.B.F. (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Tanner is a passionate comic book enthusiast and finds himself navigating the complexities of being one of the only two openly gay individuals at North Gateway High School, located somewhere in New Jersey. His best friend, Brent, is also gay and eager to embrace his identity by becoming a trendy Gay Best Friend (G.B.F.), while Tanner is not quite ready to follow suit. Together with their straight friend Glenn and the always-cynical Sophie, who maintains a colorful hairstyle, they are part of a unique social dynamic that extends beyond the confines of typical high school life.

Complicating matters is the strong presence of three popular girls: Fawcett, who is known for her stunning blonde locks, the cheerful Mormon Ashley (affectionately called ‘Shley), and the talented Caprice, an African-American student who often lands the lead roles in school performances. Each girl has her own quirks and superficialities, and Brent dreams of being the G.B.F. to all three, hoping to elevate his social status.

Within the school resides a Gay-Straight Alliance, meant to provide support for LGBTQ+ students, yet ironically it lacks any active gay members. Soledad is tasked with the mission of recruiting members, unaware of any other gay students who exist. To seek help, she introduces a phone app designed to connect LGBTQ+ individuals. In a moment of mischief, Brent downloads the app onto Tanner’s phone, but their plan spirals out of control when the phone is confiscated by a teacher, exposing Tanner’s identity to the entire school.

Angry at Brent for his role in the outing, Tanner distances himself from his best friend, while the popular girls see an opportunity in Tanner’s newfound visibility. To shield himself from bullying, particularly from Hamilton, Fawcett’s ex-boyfriend, Tanner chooses to embrace his popularity by aligning himself with the trio of girls who present an air of camaraderie despite their competitive nature.

As Tanner navigates each girl’s personality, he finds unexpected kindness in Fawcett; she offers science tutoring, showcasing her unexpected depth beyond her glamorous facade. Meanwhile, ‘Shley’s boyfriend, Topher, complicates matters when he shows attraction to Tanner, sensing an imminent transition in his own life. Caprice, hoping to have Tanner join the school production of “The Wiz,” raises questions about his authentic expression of sexuality, leaving Tanner in a state of confusion.

Meanwhile, Brent struggles with his own feelings of isolation, encouraged by his mother to engage in the gay cinema world to find solace. Despite their issues, Tanner’s popularity soars, making him a candidate for prom king. At a wild party facilitated through the app, he meets Christian, a boy with whom he hopes to attend the prom. However, tensions arise when ‘Shley, intoxicated, mistakes Glenn for gay and inadvertently complicates relationships within their group.

Amid these developments, Tanner’s aspirations to attend the prom with Christian are thwarted by the strict rules enforced by the judgmental McKenzie, leading to protests and turmoil. The escalating chaos forces Principal Rowe to cancel the traditional prom, leaving Fawcett to step up and create an alternative event, albeit with her own restrictions.

On the night of this alternative prom, Tanner attends with Fawcett, yet finds meaningful moments with Christian amidst the revelry. As Tanner and Fawcett are crowned Prom King and Prom Queen, the evening takes a turn when Brent’s prank, initially aimed at Tanner, complicates their relationship further as he too is outed that night.

Through a blend of friendships, love interests, and the trials of teen life, Tanner’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the connection between friends in a world marked by societal expectations.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of G.B.F. (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Introduction to Tanner

Tanner is introduced as a comic book nerd navigating the challenges of being gay at North Gateway High School. He feels isolated, being one of only two openly gay students and struggling with his identity.

North Gateway High School, New Jersey

Brent's Desire to Come Out

Brent, Tanner's best friend, is eager to embrace his identity and wants to be Tanner's Gay Best Friend (G.B.F.). Tanner hesitates, feeling unprepared to come out to everyone at school, despite his friend's encouragement.

The Popular Girls

Brent expresses his desire to be the Gay Best Friend to three popular girls at school: Fawcett, Ashley, and Caprice. Each girl has distinct characteristics, but they all share a superficial nature that Brent admires from a distance.

North Gateway High School

Gay-Straight Alliance Struggles

The Gay-Straight Alliance at school faces challenges as it lacks any actual gay members. Soledad is tasked with finding gay students to keep the group active, highlighting the struggle for representation and understanding in the school.

The App Incident

Brent downloads an app on Tanner’s phone to help him meet other gay individuals. This plan backfires when Tanner's phone is taken by a teacher, leading to unintended consequences that put Tanner's privacy at risk.

Tanner's Outing

Due to the app incident, Tanner is outed at school against his will, causing a rift between him and Brent. Tanner feels betrayed and decides to distance himself from his former friend, struggling with his newfound notoriety.

North Gateway High School

The Threats from Jocks

As Tanner navigates his new reality, he begins to receive threats from jocks who believe he's been looking at them inappropriately. This escalation of bullying heightens Tanner's anxiety as he tries to find safety and acceptance.

North Gateway High School

Being the G.B.F.

Despite the bullying, Tanner becomes the Gay Best Friend for the three popular girls who seek to be trendy. He recognizes that spending time with them provides a layer of protection from the hostility he faces at school.

Connections with Fawcett and Shley

Tanner spends quality time with Fawcett and finds she is not as shallow as she seems, as they bond over chemistry and shared interests. Meanwhile, Shley’s boyfriend Topher develops an attraction towards Tanner, creating a complicated dynamic.

Prom King Candidacy

Tanner unexpectedly gains popularity and is nominated for prom king, highlighting his transformation from a bullied kid to a sought-after figure at school. His blossoming relationship with Christian adds to his confidence as prom approaches.

The Alternative Prom

With the school's official prom cancelled due to protests over Tanner's and Christian's right to attend, Fawcett organizes an alternative prom which initially has restrictions on attendance. The situation reflects the school's struggle with inclusivity.

North Gateway High School

Meeting Christian

Tanner meets Christian at a wild party, where he finds a connection with him amid the chaotic atmosphere. This meeting boosts Tanner's hopes for a romantic evening at prom, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.

Prom Night

Tanner attends prom with Fawcett, and in a surprising turn, both he and Fawcett are crowned Prom King and Queen. This moment of triumph showcases Tanner's growth and acceptance in the community despite the challenges he's faced.

Prom venue, North Gateway High School

Brent's Glitter Prank

On prom night, Brent attempts a prank with glitter meant for Tanner but ultimately pushes him out of the way, leading to Brent being outed. The prank underscores the complexities of friendship and acceptance in the face of adversity.

Prom venue, North Gateway High School

Resolution

After a night of ups and downs, Tanner and Brent confront their friendship, with Tanner realizing the importance of acceptance and understanding. The experiences at prom lead both to a deeper understanding of their identities and connections with each other.

Characters

Explore all characters from G.B.F. (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Tanner (Michael J. Willett)

Tanner is a comic book nerd and one of the few openly gay students at North Gateway High. He grapples with his identity, balancing friendship with Brent while navigating the pressures of becoming the trendy G.B.F. He's characterized by his cleverness and good-hearted nature, often caught between wanting acceptance and staying true to himself.

🎮 Nerd 🌈 LGBTQ+

Brent (Paul Iacono)

Brent is Tanner's best friend who is eager to come out and embraces the role of the Gay Best Friend. However, his actions lead to unintended consequences for Tanner, showcasing his enthusiasm and care for his friend despite the fallout. He represents the complexities of friendship in the face of societal pressures.

💖 Friendship 🌈 LGBTQ+

Fawcett (Sasha Pieterse)

Fawcett is one of the popular girls at the school, initially presenting herself as shallow but later showing depth and kindness. Her desire to help Tanner with chemistry reveals her true character and adds complexity to her role in the movie, transforming from a stereotype into a supportive friend.

👩‍🎓 Beauty 🎭 Drama

'Shley (Andrea Bowen)

'Shley is a cheerful Mormon girl who represents the contrast between public happiness and private imperfections. Her interactions with Tanner and her boyfriend Topher add layers to her character, highlighting the challenges of teenage relationships and expectations within her community.

😇 Cheerful 💔 Love

Caprice (Molly Tarlov)

Caprice is an ambitious and talented African-American girl who takes an interest in Tanner, wanting him to participate in school drama. Her confidence and creativity make her a strong character, and she challenges the perceptions of what being gay looks like in the high school environment.

🎭 Drama 🌈 LGBTQ+

Setting

Learn where and when G.B.F. (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie is set in a modern-day timeframe, reflective of contemporary high school life in the United States. It addresses relevant social themes such as identity, acceptance, and popularity within a youthful context.

Location

North Gateway High School, New Jersey

The movie predominantly takes place at North Gateway High School, a typical American high school known for its social cliques and teenage drama. Set in New Jersey, it reflects contemporary issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth during their high school experience, creating an environment rich in both camaraderie and conflict.

🏫 School 🌆 City

Themes

Discover the main themes in G.B.F. (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🌈

Identity

Identity is a central theme in 'G.B.F.', exploring the struggles of self-acceptance and the societal pressures faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Tanner's journey reflects the complexities of being openly gay in a high school setting, particularly in his interactions with friends and peers, as he navigates through friendships and the prevailing need for acceptance.

👑

Popularity

The theme of popularity plays out through Tanner's experience as he becomes the desire of three popular girls wanting him as their Gay Best Friend. The movie critiques the superficiality of high school hierarchies and highlights the lengths individuals will go to in order to fit in or gain social standing.

💔

Friendship

Friendship is depicted with both its supportive and challenging aspects, particularly through Tanner and Brent's relationship. The film shows how friendship can be tested in the face of identity struggles, misunderstandings, and social expectations, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection over superficial trends.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.