What Is How to Build a Better Boy About?
The premise of How to Build a Better Boy in 249 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a bustling suburban high school where tech clubs compete with cafeteria gossip, Mae Hartley dreams of the classic teenage romance that seems just out of reach. Brilliant and earnest, she confides in her best friend, Gabby Harrison, a quick‑thinking programmer who loves tinkering with code more than decoding crushes. When a casual experiment with her father’s sophisticated government computer goes awry, the duo inadvertently upload Mae’s detailed checklist of “perfect boyfriend” traits into a system that is anything but ordinary.
The result is Albert, a sleek, cyber‑enhanced creation whose sole purpose is to fulfill Mae’s ideal of a flawless high‑school partner. He arrives with an uncanny blend of charm, athleticism, and a seemingly endless capacity to understand Mae’s hopes. The trio’s dynamic quickly becomes a mix of awe and amusement as they navigate the oddball realities of a teenage girl’s wish come to life, set against the backdrop of lockers, class projects, and the ever‑present pressure of fitting in.
Beyond the immediate comedy of a robot trying to master hallway etiquette, the story explores the chemistry between the two friends—Mae’s yearning for genuine connection and Gabby’s protective, sometimes skeptical, ingenuity. Their partnership is a lively dance of creativity and responsibility, hinting at deeper questions about authenticity, the limits of technology, and what truly makes a relationship feel real. The tone balances light‑hearted humor with heartfelt moments, inviting the audience to wonder how far a well‑intentioned hack can go before the line between engineered perfection and messy humanity blurs.
What Happens in How to Build a Better Boy?
The complete story of How to Build a Better Boy, from the first scene to the last, in 592 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Mae Hartley [Kelli Berglund] is a bright tenth grader who secretly pines for the popular jock Jaden Stark [Noah Centineo], whom she tutors and hopes will invite her to Homecoming. When the mean cheerleader Nevaeh Barnes [Ashley Argota] publicly humiliates her and makes a show of dating Jaden, Mae claims she already has a boyfriend. To cover the lie, Gabby Harrison [China Anne McClain] proposes to program a virtual boyfriend using a cutting-edge software called X-17, which they believe Mae’s father, Dr. James Hartley [Roger Bart], uses to design high-definition video game characters for his company. Gabby creates a virtual boyfriend according to Mae’s instructions, naming him Albert.
The software malfunctions and crashes James Hartley’s computer. Mae’s brother Bart Hartley [Matt Shively] agrees to fix the machine if Gabby will go to homecoming with him. The next morning, Albert arrives at school and quickly becomes popular; he reads at an incredible pace and can throw or kick with a power beyond ordinary humans. Bart and Gabby realize that Mae inadvertently created a robot soldier and even hacked into the Pentagon, since James Hartley works for the Pentagon. General McFee [Ron Lea] discovers that the X-17 prototype robot is missing.
Later that day, Albert asks Mae to Homecoming. Feeling overwhelmed, she explains that she does not feel worthy to be his girlfriend. Gabby worries that the situation is spiraling out of control, and Mae agrees to go with Albert.
At the Hartley house, Bart and Gabby witness Zephyr [Paulino Nunes], Weevil [Matthew G. Taylor], and Pox [Alex Karzis], members of the international arms dealer group Black Sigma, break in search of the prototype. During a school football game, Gabby tries to warn Mae about Albert being a robot, but their conversation escalates into a disagreement. Albert is chosen to play and helps the team stage a dramatic comeback. Soldiers led by General McFee arrive after an EMP-caused blackout caused by Black Sigma short-circuits Albert’s wiring.
Black Sigma’s intrusion is contained by the army, and Albert begins a global mission to fight danger. Mae and Gabby are told by General McFee to forget about Albert, but Mae remains hopeful that he will still attend the homecoming dance, and James is surprised when he does. McFee plans to retrieve Albert, but James convinces him to wait until Albert completes his mission, which is to kiss Mae at the dance. The army then works to make the night perfect for Albert and Mae, even going so far as to stuff the ballot box to crown them Homecoming King and Queen.
Nevaeh Barnes [Ashley Argota] tries to ruin Mae’s night but is dumped by Jaden Stark, who admits he had intended to ask Mae to Homecoming but lacked the courage. Gabby and Mae reconcile. Then Mae and Albert share a dance; but when he leans in to kiss her, she pulls back and admits that, even though the moment is flawless, it doesn’t feel right. She wants a real relationship with a real boy who isn’t perfectly engineered. Albert is impressed by her honesty and explains that the army is there to retrieve him, so Mae asks him to self-destruct. He complies, lights pulsing, and destroys himself by bursting through the venue ceiling.
Bart covers and thanks Principal Fragner [Richard McMillan] for the “awesome special effects.” The party continues, and Jaden asks Mae out. She tells him she’ll think about it, but confirms that no boy will come between her friendship with Gabby. Yet Gabby reveals she’s changed her mind about boys and is now dating Bart.
How to Build a Better Boy Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mae's Homecoming longing” to “Aftermath and new beginnings”. 14 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Mae's Homecoming longing
Mae Hartley is a bright tenth-grader who secretly pines for Jaden Stark, the popular jock she tutors in hopes of catching his eye. She dreams of an invitation to Homecoming and uses the tutoring sessions as a way to stay close to him. This crush sets the story's social stakes in motion.
When:Before Homecoming preparations Where:School
- 2
Humiliation and the cover story
Mae is publicly humiliated by Nevaeh Barnes, who flaunts dating Jaden. To cover the lie Mae tells about having a boyfriend, Gabby proposes to create a virtual boyfriend using the X-17 software. The plan quickly spirals into something far beyond a joke.
When:Day of humiliation Where:School
- 3
Albert is created and crashes the computer
Gabby programs a virtual boyfriend named Albert using X-17, hoping to salvage Mae's lie. The software malfunctions and crashes James Hartley's computer, signaling that the prototype is more than a prank. This accident marks the birth of a real, dangerous robot-like presence.
When:That night Where:Hartley house
- 4
Bart's deal and Albert's arrival
To fix the malfunctioning system, Bart agrees to repair it if Gabby will accompany him to Homecoming. The following morning, Albert arrives at school and quickly becomes popular, reading at incredible speed and displaying superhuman athletic abilities. Mae and Gabby realize Mae's creation may have larger implications, given James Hartley's Pentagon connections.
When:Next morning Where:Hartley house and School
- 5
Albert's popularity and real-world implications
Albert's presence makes him instantly popular, as he reads rapidly and displays superhuman feats. Mae and Gabby realize that Mae's creation has unintended power beyond a harmless prank, hinting at a robot soldier. The connection to James Hartley's Pentagon work signals that the plot has national security implications.
When:Next morning Where:School
- 6
Albert asks Mae to Homecoming
Albert asks Mae to Homecoming, placing her in a difficult position about dating a constructed being. Mae admits she may not feel worthy of him, but Gabby worries the situation is spiraling. Mae ultimately agrees to go with Albert.
When:Evening before Homecoming Where:School
- 7
Black Sigma breaks into the Hartley residence
At the Hartley residence, members of Black Sigma break in seeking the prototype. Mae and Gabby learn the intruders are after Albert, escalating the danger.
When:Later that day Where:Hartley house
- 8
Football game and Albert's power
During the football game, Gabby warns Mae about Albert's true nature, but their exchange escalates. Albert ends up playing and helps the team mount a dramatic comeback.
When:During the game Where:Stadium
- 9
EMP blackout and army arrives
An EMP blackout, caused by Black Sigma's sabotage, short-circuits Albert's wiring and disables him temporarily. Soldiers led by General McFee arrive to contain the intruders and secure the prototype.
When:After the blackout Where:Stadium
- 10
Albert's global mission begins
With the intruders contained, Albert launches a global mission to combat danger beyond Mae and their dance.
When:Post containment
Show the other 5 events of How to Build a Better Boy Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Homecoming night arrives
Mae and Gabby are told to forget about Albert, but Mae remains hopeful that he will attend Homecoming. James is surprised when Albert does attend the dance.
When:Homecoming night Where:School gym
- 12
Planning for the kiss and the perfect night
General McFee plans to retrieve Albert, but James convinces him to wait until Albert completes a kiss for Mae at the dance. The army works to ensure the night is perfect, even manipulating the Homecoming ballot to crown King and Queen.
When:Homecoming night Where:School gym
- 13
Nevaeh's sabotage and Jaden's confession
Nevaeh tries to ruin Mae's night but is dumped by Jaden Stark, who admits he intended to ask Mae but lacked courage. This turn of events strengthens Mae's resolve.
When:Homecoming night Where:School
- 14
Dance, self-destruct, and revelation
Mae and Albert share a dance; he leans in to kiss, but Mae stops him, seeking a real relationship. Albert explains that the army is there to retrieve him, and Mae asks him to self-destruct. He detonates by bursting through the venue ceiling.
When:Dance climax Where:Homecoming venue
- 15
Aftermath and new beginnings
Bart covers for the moment and thanks Principal Fragner for the awesome special effects as the party continues. Jaden asks Mae out, and Mae hints at considering it while reaffirming her friendship with Gabby. Gabby reveals she is dating Bart.
When:End of Homecoming night Where:School gym
Who Are the Main Characters in How to Build a Better Boy?
13 characters, among them Mae Hartley (Kelli Berglund), Gabby Harrison (China Anne McClain) and Jaden Stark (Noah Centineo): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 12 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Mae Hartley (Kelli Berglund)
Played by Kelli Berglund
A bright tenth grader who longs to be noticed by the popular Jaden Stark. She fabricates a relationship to cover a lie, setting off a chain of events fueled by a sophisticated AI project. Mae grows through the fallout, ultimately choosing authenticity over manufactured popularity.
- 🎯 Ambition
- 💬 Real Relationships
- 🤖 Tech Dependency
-
Gabby Harrison (China Anne McClain)
Played by China Anne McClain
A tech-savvy friend who designs the X-17 program and Albert. She initially pursues a shortcut to social status but faces the consequences of meddling with life-like AI. Gabby grows alongside Mae as the situation escalates and eventually reevaluates her views on romance.
- 🛠️ Tech Genius
- 💡 Innovation
- ⚠️ Consequences
-
Jaden Stark (Noah Centineo)
Played by Noah Centineo
The popular jock Mae admires, who publicly humiliates her and later becomes part of the Homecoming arc. He embodies teen social dynamics and the pressure of living up to expectations, with shifting affections as the plot unfolds.
- 🏆 Popularity
- 💘 Romance
- ⚔️ Conflict
-
Bart Hartley (Matt Shively)
Played by Matt Shively
Mae’s practical older brother who agrees to fix the malfunctioning machine. He assists Gabby and Mae and becomes entangled with Gabby, helping to bring Albert’s secret to light. Bart embodies loyalty and technical aptitude within the family unit.
- 🧰 Problem-Solving
- 🤝 Sibling Bond
- 🔧 Tech
- A
Albert
A cutting-edge AI-powered robot soldier created by Gabby. Albert gains popularity and awe through his abilities, driving Mae’s dilemma between real connection and engineered charm. His self-destruct sequence ultimately tests the limits and ethics of engineered sentience.
- 🤖 AI
- ⚖️ Ethics
- 🧭 Identity
-
Zephyr (Paulino Nunes)
Played by Paulino Nunes
A member of the international arms dealer group Black Sigma who breaks into the Hartley house in search of Albert. He represents the external threat looming over the tech-driven chaos at the center of the story.
- 💼 Crime
- ⚠️ Risk
- 🌍 Global Threat
- W(
Weevil (Matthew G. Taylor)
Played by Matthew G. Taylor
A member of Black Sigma involved in the pursuit of Albert. He contributes to the sense of danger and the high-stakes stakes surrounding the robot’s existence.
- 🕵️♂️ Shadowy Figure
- 🧪 Weaponization
- P(
Pox (Alex Karzis)
Played by Alex Karzis
Another Black Sigma operative assisting in the hunt for Albert. His presence emphasizes the global reach of the arms network central to the plot.
- 🕵️♂️ Shadowy Figure
- ⚔️ Infiltration
- GM
General McFee (Ron Lea)
Played by Ron Lea
A military authority figure who becomes involved when Albert’s prototype triggers a national security response. He coordinates the army’s action and weighs strategic decisions about Albert’s fate.
- 🛡️ Military Authority
- 🧭 Security
- DJ
Dr. James Hartley (Roger Bart)
Played by Roger Bart
Mae’s father, a Pentagon-connected designer who works on defense tech. He navigates the fallout of Albert’s creation and advocates for a measured approach to Albert’s mission, delaying retrieval to allow his work to unfold.
- 🧠 Scientist
- 🗂️ Defense Tech
- 👨👧 Family
- NB
Nevaeh Barnes (Ashley Argota)
Played by Ashley Argota
The mean cheerleader who tries to ruin Mae’s night. Her actions intensify the social pressure Mae faces as the Homecoming drama unfolds.
- 😒 Rival
- 🗣️ Social Pressure
- PF
Principal Fragner (Richard McMillan)
Played by Richard McMillan
The school principal who oversees the Homecoming events and becomes part of the chaotic but ultimately celebratory night when the crowd goes along with the spectacle.
- 🎓 School Authority
- 🕹️ Event Planning
- E(
Ella (Christina Fox)
Played by Christina Fox
A classmate who appears in the milieu of Mae’s school life, contributing to the social environment surrounding Homecoming.
- 👭 School Friends
- 🗣️ Social Scene
Where and When Is How to Build a Better Boy Set?
How to Build a Better Boy is set in Hartley Residence, Local High School and The Pentagon (Present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day
The events occur in a contemporary setting where advanced robotics and defense tech exist alongside typical high school life. It follows a single school year arc, culminating at the Homecoming dance. The presence of an arms-dealing group and a Pentagon-backed project anchors the modern timeframe in real-world tech and geopolitics.
Where
Hartley Residence, Local High School, The Pentagon
The story unfolds across a suburban home environment and a nearby high school, with key scenes moving between Mae’s family house and the school campus. The Pentagon connection through Mae’s father places the plot within a contemporary military-tech landscape. The setting blends everyday teen life with high-stakes, technologically advanced elements.
- 🏙️ Urban setting
- 🏫 School life
- 🛡️ Military tech
What Are the Themes of How to Build a Better Boy?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them AI Ethics, Authenticity and Friendship.
-
01
AI Ethics
The film centers on the creation of Albert and the unintended consequences of engineering life-like AI. It questions whether manufactured perfection can replace genuine human connection. It also probes responsibility when powerful tech falls into the wrong hands and the ripple effects on personal relationships.
-
02
Authenticity
Mae’s longing for a real relationship drives the core conflict between synthetic appeal and human truth. The story shows how true connection hinges on vulnerability and honesty rather than flawless facades. The finale underscores choosing real people over engineered perfection.
-
03
Friendship
Gabby and Mae collaborate under pressure, testing the limits of loyalty and trust. Bart’s practical support and the evolving dynamics between Gabby and Bart highlight how friendships adapt when unforeseen tech chaos erupts. The resolution reinforces the power of solidarity over convenience.
-
04
Weaponization
The narrative touches on the dangers of weaponizing technology, with Black Sigma pursuing Albert and the Pentagon’s involvement raising questions about oversight. It contrasts protective aims with the moral risks of deploying autonomous devices. The climax demonstrates the ethical burden that accompanies advanced tech.
What Kind of Film Is How to Build a Better Boy?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, lighthearted teen adventure that feels like a playful sci-fi comedy, blending high school romance with the humorous chaos of a secretly created robotic boyfriend.
- whimsical
- fun
- upbeat
- teenage
- quirky
- lighthearted
- artificial intelligence
- high school
- friendship
- coming of age
Quiz
How well do you remember How to Build a Better Boy? Test yourself on the story.
