What Is Kiss and Cry About?
The premise of Kiss and Cry in 270 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the heart of Toronto, a city that pulses with winter ice and rooftop music, Carley Allison lives by a simple creed: smile and find a reason to be happy. At seventeen, she balances the demanding world of competitive figure skating with a love for singing, dreaming of earning a spot on the national team while keeping her friendships and family close. Her world—a blend of glittering rinks, school corridors, and the comforting hum of home—feels both exhilarating and fragile, set against a backdrop of youthful ambition and tender romance.
A chance encounter at a party introduces her to John Servinis, a thoughtful biology student whose quiet confidence offers Carley a new kind of support. Their connection, built on shared jokes and genuine encouragement, adds a warm undercurrent to her already busy life. As they navigate classes, rehearsals, and the occasional late‑night conversation, the film hints at a partnership that could become a steady anchor amid the inevitable turbulence of growing up.
Life, however, takes an unexpected turn when Carley confronts a rare medical diagnosis that challenges everything she has worked toward. The prospect of a serious illness looms over her skating routines, vocal aspirations, and relationships, prompting a shift from carefree optimism to a more measured resilience. Surrounded by a devoted family—her father Mark Allison and mother May Allison—and a community that rallies around her, Carley’s journey becomes a quiet study of courage, love, and the pursuit of joy even when the odds seem impossibly stacked. The tone remains hopeful, weaving together the grace of the ice, the power of song, and the subtle strength found in everyday connections.
What Happens in Kiss and Cry?
The complete story of Kiss and Cry, from the first scene to the last, in 555 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Carley Allison Sarah Fisher is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater in Toronto who lives by a motto that shaped her outlook: “always smile” or “find a reason to be happy.” She seems to have it all: she’s working toward a spot on Canada’s national team, she loves singing, and she treasures her family and friends. At a party, she meets John Servinis Luke Bilyk, a kind and supportive classmate from biology, and their connection feels real from the start.
But life takes a sharp turn when Carley begins to feel sick and struggles for air, a problem initially chalked up to asthma. The inhaler doesn’t help, and after a series of medical tests, she collapses on a date with John. In the hospital, doctors reveal a rare cancerous tumor (melanoma) outside her trachea. Faced with a daunting diagnosis, Carley undergoes tracheal surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy, determined to beat the illness and keep moving forward.
Throughout it all, Carley Allison Sarah Fisher’s spirit stays resilient. She confronts this setback with unwavering optimism, often balancing gravity with humor. She embodies the mindset to face hardship head-on, even joking about the challenging moments and the body changes that come with treatment. > “this little setback in my life”
Her family stands beside her, offering love and levity as they navigate difficult days. Her father Mark Allison Sergio Di Zio and her mother May Allison Chantal Kreviazuk are steady presences, turning moments of fear into opportunities for connection and warmth. As John helps at home—staying over to cook and support—he makes a declaration of love, and the couple faces the rollercoaster of illness together, drawing strength from each other.
The battle takes another toll when Carley loses a lock of hair during chemotherapy, a poignant reminder of what she’s enduring. She documents the journey in a bald vlog, and soon after, John surprises her with a prom invitation delivered outside her window, accompanied by a drum set. They return to the rink so she can teach him to skate, and in the midst of this moment, she encounters two former skating teammates and receives encouragement, including a supportive message from Selena Gomez on social media.
Back at school, Carley’s return is met with an outpouring of love and supportive messages. She participates in a televised interview where she shares her approach to cancer—staying proactive and moving forward, refusing to let the illness define her. John and Carley attend the prom together, their bond deepening in the moment, and they share a meaningful intimacy for the first time.
As the months pass, Carley’s hair grows back and doctors reveal that the tumor has been removed. She steps back onto the ice and is given the chance to perform publicly, including singing “O Canada” to open a televised NHL game. John brings his Greek family to share a home-cooked dinner, celebrating everyday life and the support that sustains them.
Yet hope is shadowed again when Carley is rediagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs. The couple reaffirm their love, but, tragically, Carley succumbs to the disease later that year at the age of 19. In the wake of her passing, Carley’s Angels Foundation is established to help cover the high medical costs associated with her fight, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire generosity and resilience.
Kiss and Cry Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Carley is a rising figure skater in Toronto” to “Legacy: Carley's Angels Foundation”. 13 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Carley is a rising figure skater in Toronto
Carley Elle Allison is a 17-year-old competitive figure skater in Toronto, known for her motto always smile and her rising momentum toward Canada's national team. She balances skating, singing, and a close circle of family and friends who support her ambitions.
Where:Toronto, Canada
- 2
John enters her life at a party
At a party, Carley meets John, a kind classmate from biology. Their connection marks the beginning of a hopeful romance despite the busy schedule.
Where:Toronto, Canada
- 3
Sudden illness and initial asthma scare
Carley begins to feel sick with severe breathlessness that is initially attributed to asthma. Her symptoms escalate, prompting medical tests rather than a quick diagnosis.
Where:Toronto, Canada
- 4
Hospital discovery of a rare tumor
After a collapse on a date, Carley is hospitalized where doctors discover a rare cancerous tumor outside her trachea. The diagnosis shifts the fight from routine skater to patient seeking life-saving treatment.
Where:Hospital in Toronto
- 5
Tracheal surgery and chemotherapy begin
Carley undergoes tracheal surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy. The procedures mark the start of a grueling medical battle but she maintains determination.
Where:Hospital in Toronto
- 6
Hair loss and steadfast support
During treatment, Carley loses a lock of hair and faces harsher days with honesty and humor. John stays by her side, promising to stay positive and expressing his love.
Where:Carley's home, Toronto
- 7
Vlog about being bald and prom invitation
Carley records a vlog announcing she is bald and documents her ongoing struggle. John arrives with a drum set and asks her to the prom, a gesture that brings joy despite the illness.
Where:Carley's home
- 8
Return to school and public support
Back at school, Carley is greeted by messages of love and encouragement from friends and classmates. She also participates in community events to raise awareness for cancer research.
Where:Carley's school in Toronto
- 9
Haircuts for Cancer and TV interview
Carley participates in a fundraising event called Haircuts for Cancer to support research funding. She gives a televised interview where she describes treating cancer like a contact sport, preferring to keep moving.
Where:Local community center and TV studio
- 10
Prom night and first kiss
Carley and John attend the prom together and share an intimate moment that cements their bond. The night becomes a symbol of hope amid adversity.
Where:Prom venue, Toronto
Show the other 3 events of Kiss and Cry Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Return to skating and national stage
Months later, Carley returns to skating and is invited to sing O Canada to open a televised NHL game. This moment marks a public recognition of her resilience.
Where:NHL arena
- 12
Relapse and final days
Carley is diagnosed with an extremely rare clear cell sarcoma in her lungs several months after her remission. John and Carley reaffirm their love before she passes away at 19, ending the race with courage.
Where:Hospital in Toronto
- 13
Legacy: Carley's Angels Foundation
Carley's Angels Foundation is created in her honor to help with high medical costs and support families facing cancer.
Where:Foundation launched in Toronto
Who Are the Main Characters in Kiss and Cry?
5 characters, among them Carley Allison (Sarah Fisher), John Servinis (Luke Bilyk) and May Allison (Chantal Kreviazuk): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- CA
Carley Allison (Sarah Fisher)
A talented 17-year-old skater with a sunny motto and a brave heart. She confronts a rare cancer with determination, enduring tracheal surgery and chemotherapy while staying hopeful and engaged with her community. Her resilience, humor, and openness to love drive much of the story.
- 🎗️ Protagonist
- 💎 Determination
- JS
John Servinis (Luke Bilyk)
Played by Luke Bilyk
Carley's boyfriend who supports her through illness, sharing moments of joy and fear. He stays loyal, declares his love, and participates in meaningful, uplifting experiences with Carley, like prom and skating lessons. His warmth provides emotional balance to the narrative.
- 💖 Love interest
- 👍 Supportive
- MA
May Allison (Chantal Kreviazuk)
Played by Chantal Kreviazuk
Carley's mother who keeps the family hopeful and grounded, balancing humor with care during medical crises. She helps manage the household and supports Carley’s dreams while facing the stress of her daughter's illness.
- 👪 Mother
- 🧵 Supportive
- RA
Riley Allison (Brittany Bristow)
Played by Brittany Bristow
Carley's sister who shares in the family's joy and strain, aligning with the supportive circle around Carley. Her presence reflects sibling dynamics in dealing with illness and celebration alike.
- 👧 Sister
- 🫶 Supportive
-
Mark Allison (Sergio Di Zio)
Played by Sergio Di Zio
A family figure who contributes to the supportive environment around Carley, helping anchor the home life amid medical challenges.
- 👨 Father figure
- 🏠 Family anchor
Where and When Is Kiss and Cry Set?
Kiss and Cry is set in Toronto and Canada (Late 2000s to early 2010s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 2000s to early 2010s
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting where social media, online videos, and viral moments shape the characters' reactions. It portrays a world of school life, local rinks, and televised events that anchor the plot in a specific recent era. Technology and media culture help amplify Carley's message of resilience.
Where
Toronto, Canada
Toronto serves as the backdrop for Carley's skating career and daily life. The city provides venues for training, competitions, and public support events that frame the narrative. Its urban environment contrasts with the intimate family moments and hospital scenes that punctuate the story.
- 🏙️ Urban
- ⛸️ Ice skating hub
- 🍁 Canadian setting
What Are the Themes of Kiss and Cry?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Resilience, Family and Love.
-
01
Resilience
Carley faces a rare cancer and a life-threatening diagnosis with unwavering optimism. She treats illness as a challenge to be met head-on, maintaining her motto to stay positive. The narrative emphasizes endurance through medical procedures, relapse, and the support of family and friends.
-
02
Family
Family anchors Carley's strength, providing humor and care during medical crises. The movie shows parents adapting to medical challenges and siblings rallying behind Carley, creating a close-knit unit. Their love helps her navigate medical decisions, setbacks, and the emotional toll of her illness.
-
03
Love
Romantic love with John offers emotional support and motivation to persevere. Their relationship develops through shared moments—dancing at the rink, prom, and future plans—that give Carley purpose. Love also extends to a broader care circle, including fans and supporters who rally around her.
What Kind of Film Is Kiss and Cry?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Sad
A hopeful and resilient drama that balances the heavy emotional weight of a rare cancer diagnosis with inspiring moments of love, family support, and the determination to find joy even in tragedy.
- hopeful
- inspirational
- heartwarming
- tragic
- resilient
- supportive
- illness and recovery
- young love
- family bonds
- medical journey
Content notes: terminal illness, cancer, chemotherapy, death of a young person.
Quiz
How well do you remember Kiss and Cry? Test yourself on the story.
