What Is Hick About?
The premise of Hick in 304 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the wide‑open stretches of the American heartland, a restless teenager feels the weight of a small town that has never quite fit her. Luli watches the familiar streets from the edge of a schoolyard, already dreaming of a place where she might finally write her own story. The film opens with a quiet, almost aching atmosphere that blends the starkness of Nebraska’s plains with the restless hum of a young mind yearning for freedom. A sense of unease hangs over every scene, hinting at the personal ghosts she carries while suggesting that the road ahead could be both her salvation and her greatest test.
When Luli decides to chase a glittering advertisement for a fresh start in Las Vegas, the journey becomes a road‑movie canvas for self‑discovery. Along the way she encounters Eddie, a wandering drifter whose quiet confidence masks hidden motives, and Glenda, a mysterious woman on the run from her own past. Their brief, uneasy camaraderie adds layers of intrigue, as each character carries a blend of vulnerability and concealed strength that fuels both tension and unexpected moments of tenderness. The trio’s dynamic hints at a delicate balance between trust and suspicion, inviting the audience to wonder how far they’ll let each other influence their paths.
The tone is a mix of gritty realism and lingering melancholy, underscored by a subtle, almost lyrical visual style that captures the endless highways and the fleeting towns that blur together. While the desert landscape and neon promises of Las Vegas loom on the horizon, the film stays rooted in Luli’s internal struggle—a search for agency, identity, and the possibility of redemption. The mood invites viewers to sit with the hum of the road, the quiet conversations, and the persistent question of whether a new city can truly erase the shadows of a troubled past.
What Happens in Hick?
The complete story of Hick, from the first scene to the last, in 676 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film begins in a small Nebraska town, where Luli, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, is seen sitting on the steps of her school. It is evident that she is somewhat of a recluse, lacking friends and companionship. The scene takes a dramatic turn when her father, a man struggling with alcoholism, arrives and crashes into a play structure outside the school.
The narrative shifts to Luli’s 13th birthday party, which takes place at a bar. Here, she finds herself surrounded by adults more interested in drinking than celebrating her special day; one peculiar gift she receives is a revolver, a Colt 45. As the “celebration” winds down, Luli is left in a tense situation with her mother, Tammy (played by Juliette Lewis), and her inebriated father, Nick (Anson Mount). In an effort to leave, Nick attempts to drive away but is stopped by Tammy, who insists he cannot go anywhere in his current state. In the chaos, Luli is rescued by a bartender who provides her a ride home while she clutches the case of her newly acquired weapon.
The following morning, Luli practices aiming her gun at her reflection in the mirror, showcasing her need for self-defense. A noise in the kitchen leads her to discover Lux (Bob Stephenson), an investment worker, busy in paperwork. As Tammy departs with Lux, Luli is left to grapple with the sense of abandonment again. To cope, she draws a path from her hometown to Las Vegas after seeing an advertisement on television, making an unsettling list of pros and cons, which includes the ominous “might die.” Resolving to leave, she packs her essentials including her revolver and sets off.
She soon finds herself picked up on the roadside by Eddie Redmayne, who shows initial interest in her dream of reaching Vegas. However, the mood shifts when Eddie makes a derogatory comment about her outfit, leading to a confrontation that ends with Luli exiting his truck to escape his threatening demeanor.
After a night spent sleeping in a ditch, Luli is awakened by Blake Lively, who stops to relieve herself. In an effort to find some companionship and assistance, Luli deceives Glenda about her situation, eventually securing a ride with her. Glenda introduces Luli to drugs, resulting in a hallucinatory experience, and together they engage in a risky scheme at a gas station, where theft comes into play but also highlights Luli’s moral reservations.
Their journey continues to a bowling alley, highlighting how Glenda is well-known there. Here, Eddie resurfaces, leading Luli to feel anxious and paranoid about his presence after she confides in Glenda about him. The narrative delves into Luli’s complex interactions with Eddie, leading to a harrowing encounter in a restroom where Eddie’s protective instincts turn violent.
As tensions mount, Luli finds herself staying at a motel with Eddie but quickly realizes that Glenda is nowhere to be found, and Eddie seems to have ulterior motives. A desperate attempt to communicate with a stranger about her situation reveals Eddie’s possessive and manipulative nature, leading to a traumatic experience that leaves Luli tied up in a cabin.
In a twist of fate, Glenda reveals to Luli that Eddie’s dangers run deeper than initially perceived, implying a shared history of violence. When Eddie unexpectedly enters, an accidental shot results in a tragic incident that escalates the already tumultuous atmosphere. In the aftermath of chaos, Luli awakens in Beau’s home, where he assures her that her survival is owing to his intervention, crafting a cover story for the tragic events that previously unfolded.
Faced with decisions about her future, Luli contemplates whether to return home or to seek a new life as Beau offers her an alternative. Nevertheless, after a disheartening call home, where she learns that her mother sold their house, Luli’s resolve strengthens. With newfound determination, she flips through her sketchbook, finds Beau’s note, and, utilizing a clever trick taught by Glenda, she races back to board a bus—this time aiming for Los Angeles and a fresh start, leaving behind the haunting memories of her past.
Hick Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Luli's School Day” to “Final Decision”. 14 events name a place, across 13 locations.
- 1
Luli's School Day
The movie begins in a small town in Nebraska, where Luli, a solitary girl, is depicted sitting on the steps of her school drawing. Her father, struggling with alcoholism, creates chaos by crashing his vehicle into a play structure, highlighting the turmoil within her family.
Where:Nebraska
- 2
Luli's 13th Birthday
Luli's 13th birthday party is held at a bar, where the adults are too preoccupied with drinking to celebrate her special day. Among the questionable gifts she receives is a Colt 45 revolver, symbolizing the neglect and instability in her life.
Where:Bar
- 3
Family Conflict
After the party, Luli is left at home with her parents, where a conflict arises. Her father Nick tries to leave inebriated, but Tammy yells at him, leading to a tense moment where Nick grabs Luli to take her away, until a bartender ultimately intervenes.
Where:Home
- 4
Tammy's Departure
The next morning, Luli finds her mother, Tammy, leaving town with an investment worker named Lux. Luli silently witnesses this betrayal, uncertain about her mother’s actions as she navigates her complicated family situation.
When:Morning Where:Luli's house
- 5
Drawing a Plan
Luli, feeling abandoned and seeking escape, draws a path from her town to Las Vegas on a map. She creates a list of pros and cons for leaving, showcasing her awareness of the dangers while packing her belongings and the revolver.
- 6
Picking Up Eddie
Luli is picked up by Eddie, who agrees to drive her to Vegas after she tells him a fabricated story about her tragic family. However, their journey quickly turns sour when Eddie makes an inappropriate comment about her appearance, leading to an explosive confrontation.
Where:Side of the road
- 7
Meeting Glenda
While resting in a ditch, Luli meets Glenda, who offers her a ride. After trying drugs that Glenda provides, Luli finds herself embroiled in a chaotic scheme to rob a gas station, despite her growing unease with Glenda's actions.
Where:Gas Station
- 8
Bowling Alley Encounter
At a bowling alley, Luli encounters Eddie again and learns there is a deeper connection between them, creating an unsettling tension. This moment forces Luli to confront her feelings of being followed and her growing discomfort with these adults in her life.
Where:Bowling Alley
- 9
Eddie's Violence
When Luli interrupts Eddie's pool game, he escalates the situation by wagering her in a bet. The night takes a dark turn when Eddie violently retaliates against a man attempting to assault Luli in a bathroom, further entangling her in a world of violence.
When:Night Where:Pool Hall
- 10
Captivity in the Cabin
Luli wakes up to find herself in a cabin, tied up and disoriented. Eddie enters with flowers, displaying a twisted affection, attempting to convince her of some form of love while suppressing her desire for freedom, revealing his unstable mindset.
Where:Cabin in the woods
Show the other 5 events of Hick Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Moment of Desperation
Glenda arrives to inform Luli about Eddie's dark past and the child she had with him, driving home the dangers of trusting him. The atmosphere turns volatile when Eddie confronts Glenda, leading to a tragic accident that changes everything.
Where:Cabin
- 12
Luli's Choice
In the chaos that ensues after Eddie's accident, Luli is faced with a life or death decision. Overwhelmed with emotion, she ultimately resolves to break free from her captor by taking drastic action against Eddie, showcasing her fight for survival.
Where:Cabin
- 13
Rescue by Beau
Luli awakens in Beau's house, where he assures her of her safety and offers her a second chance away from the chaos of her past. He presents her with the option of living with his sister in LA, highlighting her need for a supportive family.
Where:Beau's house
- 14
Call to Home
At the bus station, Luli contacts her mother, only to be met with more disappointment when Tammy expresses excitement about selling their house. This conversation pushes Luli to reevaluate her options and what home truly means to her.
Where:Bus station
- 15
Final Decision
As Luli contemplates her next steps on the bus, she finds a note from Beau with a phone number and address. Inspired to reclaim her life, she uses a trick learned from Glenda to compel the bus driver to stop so she can change her course, heading back toward Los Angeles.
Where:On the bus
Who Are the Main Characters in Hick?
3 characters, among them Luli (Chloë Grace Moretz), Eddie (Eddie Redmayne) and Glenda (Blake Lively): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Luli (Chloë Grace Moretz)
Played by Chloe Moretz
Luli is a complex character who embodies the struggles of adolescence and the desire for autonomy. She deals with abandonment from her parents and seeks to escape her harsh reality. Throughout her journey, she demonstrates both vulnerability and strength, ultimately making choices that reflect her growth and determination.
- 👧 Young Adult
- 🏃♀️ Courage
- 🎨 Artist
-
Eddie (Eddie Redmayne)
Played by Eddie Redmayne
Eddie is a troubled character whose charm is overshadowed by his darker tendencies. He plays a pivotal role in Luli's journey, representing both a potential ally and a source of danger. His conflicting emotions and actions create a complex dynamic with Luli that drives the narrative forward.
- 🧑🎤 Troubled
- ⚔️ Conflict
- 🚗 Wanderer
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Glenda (Blake Lively)
Played by Blake Lively
Glenda is a free-spirited yet troubled woman who influences Luli's experiences on her journey. While she offers companionship, her chaotic lifestyle presents dangers of its own. Glenda's character serves as a warning about the consequences of escapism and the realities of trust.
- 👩🎤 Free Spirit
- 😢 Nurturer
- 🎭 Deceptive
Where and When Is Hick Set?
Hick is set in Nebraska, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as neglect, dependency, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. The struggles faced by Luli occur in a time when youth often grapple with finding identity and safety, against a backdrop of family dysfunction.
Where
Nebraska, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
The movie begins in a small town in Nebraska, known for its rural charm and quiet lifestyle. As Luli dreams of escape, she yearns for the glitz and excitement of Las Vegas, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife and casinos. Ultimately, her journey leads her to Los Angeles, a bustling metropolis known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture.
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🎲 Gambling
- 🌆 City
What Are the Themes of Hick?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Escape, Survival and Abandonment.
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01
Escape
The theme of escape is prevalent throughout 'Hick', as Luli seeks to leave her troubled home life behind. She is driven by a desire for freedom and a better future, chasing the allure of Las Vegas. This struggle showcases the lengths one might go to in search of solace and self-discovery.
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02
Survival
Survival is a critical theme, as Luli navigates a world filled with danger and betrayal. From being taken in by strangers to defending herself from threats, Luli's journey emphasizes resilience. Her evolution from a vulnerable girl to a young woman who takes decisive action highlights the instinct to survive even in dire circumstances.
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03
Abandonment
Abandonment plays a significant role in Luli's life, shaping her experiences and choices throughout the film. Her strained relationships with her parents leave her feeling isolated and unvalued. This theme illustrates the emotional toll of neglect and the quest for love and acceptance.
What Kind of Film Is Hick?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A grim and anxious journey following a vulnerable teenage runaway through a dangerous adult world, creating a tense and emotionally heavy viewing experience with a slight glimmer of hope at the end.
- grim
- anxious
- dangerous
- lonely
- desperate
- oppressive
- runaway
- coming of age
- survival
- abandonment
Content notes: child endangerment, kidnapping, gun violence, substance abuse, alcoholic parents, suggested predatory behavior.
Quiz
How well do you remember Hick? Test yourself on the story.
