What Is I Believe in Unicorns About?
The premise of I Believe in Unicorns in 304 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet, leafy suburbs of Berkeley, a teenage freshman grapples with the weight of a family burden that feels far larger than her years. Her mother’s battle with a relentless illness and the lingering absence of a father who left before she could remember shape a world that feels both fragile and suffocating. To survive, she retreats into a richly imagined inner landscape, a place where ordinary moments shimmer with wonder and the promise of something more.
She shares this fragile reality with her steadfast best friend, Cassidy, whose loyalty offers a grounding anchor amid the turbulence. When she first notices the enigmatic skateboarder who roams the neighborhood park, Sterling appears as a living echo of the freedom she craves. Their connection sparks a tentative romance that feels like a portal to new possibilities, inviting her to imagine a future that diverges from the path she has always known.
The film drifts between the muted tones of everyday life and the vivid, almost tactile quality of the protagonist’s daydreams, weaving a mood that is simultaneously hopeful and tinged with melancholy. Its style balances gritty realism with lyrical escapism, reflecting the uneasy dance between the safety of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. As the teen navigates the complexities of first love, identity, and responsibility, the story gently probes the delicate balance between imagination and the harsh truths of growing up.
Underlying the narrative is a quiet tension: the promise of love and adventure stands against an ever‑present sense of uncertainty. The partnership with Sterling offers both a glimpse of liberation and a reminder that the world beyond her fantasies can be unpredictable. In this tender coming‑of‑age portrait, the audience is invited to linger in the space where hope flickers, dreams unfold, and the path to adulthood remains both inviting and unknowable.
What Happens in I Believe in Unicorns?
The complete story of I Believe in Unicorns, from the first scene to the last, in 559 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
As a high school freshman from Berkeley, Davina finds her life intricately tied to the ongoing struggles of her mother, who battles the unyielding advance of multiple sclerosis. The absence of her father, who left shortly after her birth, has profoundly affected Davina’s sense of identity, leaving her feeling adrift. On her 16th birthday, she enjoys a simple celebration with her closest friend, Cassidy (character A), who generously gifts her a camera. It’s during a delightful picnic that Davina’s gaze first lands on Sterling, a rebellious punk known for cruising the park’s skate ramp with his crew.
As Davina’s infatuation with Sterling grows, she begins to immortalize him through her camera lens. Their paths converge, leading to a brief exchange that ends with Sterling inviting her to meet again at a nearby street corner. Taking a leap of faith, Davina agrees, and the two embark on a shared day full of deep conversations, revealing their mutual yearning to break free from their stifling realities.
In their time together, Davina learns about Sterling’s troubled past, including the escape from his abusive father, which opens her eyes to the struggles he endures. The tension of their shared longing for freedom binds them closer, and as night falls, Sterling invites Davina to his humble home in a more challenging part of town. Their chemistry ignites into a passionate moment, marking a significant turning point in their young lives.
The dawn after their encounter brings mixed feelings for Davina. She is filled with the weight of new love and a budding awareness that it may not last. Confiding in Cassidy about her sexual awakening, Davina seeks comfort and understanding from her steadfast friend. Drawn back into Sterling’s world, Davina attends a lively rave where she tries to reignite their spark, only to be met with Sterling’s rejection, leaving her heartbroken yet resilient.
However, Sterling eventually reaches out with an apology, leading the couple into a chaotic yet passionate relationship. As they contemplate leaving Berkeley together, they embark on a road trip to escape the confines of their lives. The journey, however, proves to be rife with strain as Davina starts to draw parallels between Sterling and his father, igniting fierce arguments.
The climax of their tension surfaces when Davina suggests they head back home, while Sterling insists on continuing their odyssey. Amidst this turmoil of desires and inner demons, they must face the daunting reality that their connection might not withstand the obstacles ahead.
As the night wanes, their space in a motel becomes a delicate haven, challenged by Davina’s probing questions about their emotional bond. Sterling’s vague responses, matched with his ardent praises of her beauty, leave Davina teetering between intimacy and uncertainty. Their playful moments take a drastic turn when a gentle reprimand from Davina incites Sterling’s violence, prompting a stark warning never to challenge him again. The situation escalates tragically, leaving Davina emotionally scarred.
The day after brings them to a serene barn setting, where Davina’s wish to leave clashes with Sterling’s crumbling emotional state. As she attempts to comfort him, driven by guilt and empathy, their passion ignites for one last time. However, when hesitation creeps in, Sterling’s desperate actions shatter their relationship irreparably. The aftermath of that fateful night forces Davina to return home, accompanied by Cassidy, her spirit bruised and battered, mirroring the weary roads they travel.
I Believe in Unicorns Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Davina's High School Journey Begins” to “Returning Home Changed”. 7 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Davina's High School Journey Begins
As a high school freshman from Berkeley, Davina embarks on an uncertain journey filled with the complexities of adolescence. The emotional toll of her mother's struggle with multiple sclerosis looms over her, shaping her identity and experience in high school.
Where:Berkeley
- 2
A Simple Birthday Celebration
On her 16th birthday, Davina celebrates with a modest gathering alongside her closest friend, Cassidy. The evening is marked by the thoughtful gift of a camera from Cassidy, which becomes an essential tool for Davina to capture the world around her.
When:16th birthday
- 3
First Encounter with Sterling
During a picturesque picnic, Davina's eyes are drawn to Sterling, a rebellious punk who dominates the park's skate ramp. This chance encounter sparks an immediate attraction that intrigues and excites her.
Where:Park
- 4
A Leap of Faith
After capturing moments of Sterling through her camera, the two share a brief yet impactful exchange. Sterling invites Davina to meet him at a nearby street corner, marking a pivotal point in her life as she decides to take a chance on newfound affection.
Where:Nearby street corner
- 5
Deeper Conversations
During their day together, Davina and Sterling engage in profound conversations, both expressing their desires to escape the limitations of their realities. This connection reveals the burdens they each carry, binding them closer in their shared journey of discovery.
- 6
A Passionate Encounter
The chemistry between Davina and Sterling ignites during a visit to his modest home in a challenging neighborhood. Their passion culminates in a significant and emotionally charged moment, shifting the dynamics of their budding relationship.
Where:Sterling's home
- 7
Conflicted Feelings
After their passionate encounter, Davina wakes up with mixed emotions, caught in the whirlwind of new love and the uncertainty of its longevity. Seeking solace, she confides in Cassidy about her feelings and experiences, highlighting her need for support.
When:The dawn after their encounter
- 8
A Heartbreaking Rave
In a bid to reconnect with Sterling, Davina attends a lively rave, hoping to reignite their spark. However, she faces the harsh reality of rejection when Sterling distances himself, leaving Davina heartbroken yet determined to move forward.
Where:Rave
- 9
Reconciliation and Road Trip
Despite the heartbreak, Sterling reaches out with an apology, leading to a chaotic yet passionate relationship. Together, they embark on a road trip intended to escape their struggles, signaling a new chapter filled with hope and uncertainty.
- 10
Rising Tensions
As the road trip progresses, Davina begins to see troubling parallels between Sterling and his abusive father, creating rifts in their relationship. The strain surfaces in fierce arguments over their shared pasts and future aspirations.
Show the other 4 events of I Believe in Unicorns Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Confrontation Over Choices
The climax of their journey occurs when Davina suggests returning home, while Sterling prefers to continue their adventure. This moment tests their compatibility and forces them to confront the reality of their diverging desires.
- 12
Intimate Moments and Violence
In a fragile motel atmosphere, Davina seeks clarity about their emotional bond, but Sterling's vague reassurances lead to a volatile exchange. A seemingly innocent reprimand triggers a violent outburst from Sterling, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Where:Motel
- 13
A Final Clash
The following day, Davina finds herself in a serene barn setting, where her desire to leave collides with Sterling's emotional frailty. An attempt to comfort him escalates into a desperate moment that irremediably fractures their connection.
Where:Barn
- 14
Returning Home Changed
After the unforgettable and damaging events of their last night together, Davina returns home alongside Cassidy. The journey reflects her emotional scars and the burdens of their experiences, shaping her path forward.
Who Are the Main Characters in I Believe in Unicorns?
3 characters, among them Davina, Sterling and Cassidy: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- D
Davina
Davina is a high school freshman whose life is heavily influenced by her mother's battle with multiple sclerosis and the absence of her father. She embodies the confusion and passion of adolescence, exploring her identity while navigating her emotions for Sterling. Throughout her journey, Davina displays resilience as she confronts her feelings of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
- 👩🎓 High School
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🌈 Identity
- S
Sterling
Sterling is a rebellious punk with a troubled past, embodying the archetype of the 'bad boy' that draws Davina in. His struggles with an abusive father and his desire for freedom resonate with Davina, fostering a deep connection between them. Despite his charismatic exterior, Sterling's emotional instability and violent tendencies create tension in their relationship.
- 🏍️ Punk
- ⚔️ Troubled Past
- ❤️ Young Love
- C
Cassidy
Cassidy is Davina's steadfast friend who provides support and comfort throughout her tumultuous emotional journey. She represents stability and understanding, playing a crucial role in helping Davina navigate her feelings of love and heartbreak. Cassidy’s loyalty and friendship serve as an anchor for Davina during challenging times.
- 🎉 Friendship
- 🛡️ Support
- 💬 Confidant
Where and When Is I Believe in Unicorns Set?
I Believe in Unicorns is set in Berkeley (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting the modern challenges faced by youth. This era is characterized by the exploration of identity, the impact of technology, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative captures the essence of adolescence, highlighting the emotional struggles that define this transitional phase.
Where
Berkeley
Berkeley is a vibrant city in California known for its rich culture, diverse communities, and educational institutions. It's a place where social activism thrives, often influencing the younger generation. The city's unique blend of urban life and natural beauty makes it a significant backdrop for stories of personal growth and struggle.
- 🌆 City
What Are the Themes of I Believe in Unicorns?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Young Love, Search for Identity and Escapism.
-
01
Young Love
The theme of young love is central to the film, exploring the intense emotions and complexities that accompany first relationships. Throughout the movie, Davina's infatuation with Sterling symbolizes both the thrill and the challenges of navigating love at a young age. This theme highlights how love can be both a source of joy and pain, especially amidst personal struggles.
-
02
Search for Identity
Davina's journey in the movie reflects a deeper search for identity, shaped by her family dynamics and experiences. The absence of her father and her mother's illness contribute to her feeling adrift. This theme emphasizes the significance of understanding oneself in the face of life’s challenges and the impact of relationships on personal growth.
-
03
Escapism
Escapism plays a prominent role as Davina and Sterling yearn to break free from their respective burdens. Their road trip symbolizes a desire to escape their realities, highlighting the allure of freedom and adventure. However, this theme also reveals that running away can lead to confronting deeper issues that cannot be easily avoided.
What Kind of Film Is I Believe in Unicorns?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A raw and emotionally charged coming-of-age drama that combines the dreamlike escapism of first love with the harsh, oppressive reality of a volatile and abusive relationship.
- raw
- anxious
- melancholic
- oppressive
- dreamlike
- gut-wrenching
- teenage romance
- escapism
- domestic abuse
- first love
Content notes: domestic abuse, physical violence, emotional abuse, terminal illness.
Quiz
How well do you remember I Believe in Unicorns? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch I Believe in Unicorns
Stream it on Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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