What Is Not Cool About?
The premise of Not Cool in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the crisp autumn of a Pittsburgh Thanksgiving, a tight‑knit group of recent high‑school graduates gathers back in their hometown, each carrying the uneasy mix of lingering adolescence and the pull of adulthood. The film captures the chaotic energy of a long weekend saturated with family reunions, awkward first‑date nerves, and the unspoken pressure to “grow up.” Its tone swings between sharply witty banter, heartfelt confession, and the reckless spontaneity that only youthful freedom can fuel, painting a vivid portrait of a season where every hallway, kitchen table, and parking lot becomes a stage for self‑discovery.
At the heart of the story is Tori, a sharp‑tongued teen whose disdain for the predictability of high school masks a deeper yearning for authenticity. Alongside her, Scott wrestles with the remnants of a breakup while trying to navigate a new kind of connection that feels both frightening and exhilarating. Joel, ever the loyal friend, finds himself caught between the desire to impress a crush and the fear of losing himself in the expectations of those around him. Janie, his target of affection, balances her own ambitions and familial worries, adding another layer of complexity to the group’s dynamics.
Together, they move through a world that feels simultaneously familiar and charged with possibility—thanksgiving dinners that turn into battlegrounds of humor and honesty, late‑night drives that become escapes from the weight of family expectations, and impromptu dares that test the limits of their comfort zones. The film’s breezy, almost improvisational style invites viewers to relive the thrills and insecurities of that in‑between moment when tomorrow’s responsibilities loom but today’s rebellion still feels irresistible. All the while, the city’s muted winter backdrop mirrors the characters’ internal chill and the warmth they find in each other’s company, promising a journey that’s as much about laughing at oneself as it is about learning who they really are.
What Happens in Not Cool?
The complete story of Not Cool, from the first scene to the last, in 812 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film opens with Tori (Cherami Leigh), a former high school student, at a party, reflecting on her disdain for high school before being unexpectedly vomited on by another reveler. The narrative shifts back a few hours to the airport, where she is set to reunite with her family, which includes her parents, Kasey Daley and John Yost, as well as her blind sister Lisa Schwartz. Upon her arrival, she jokingly asks a homeless man if he’d like to “switch lives,” to which he sarcastically replies that he would prefer “to eat his own sh*t.” Upon meeting her family, Tori’s sister Marissa excitedly announces her engagement, setting the stage for family tensions.
Meanwhile, at the airport, another high school alumnus, Scott (Shane Dawson), is met by his girlfriend Heather (Jorie Kosel), who drags him into a men’s restroom stall. There, her demands escalate, leading to a dramatic breakup after she bursts into tears.
Joel (Drew Monson), another former classmate, makes his way back to high school to visit his long-time crush, Janie (Michelle Vientimilla), who just so happens to be Scott’s sister. In an unfortunate slip, Joel reveals to Janie that her father, Bill Lang, is set to close his store, prompting a heated reaction from both siblings, who are less than pleased about their father’s decision to move to Florida for a new romantic involvement.
Desiring to escape the gloom at home, Tori joins Joel at a party. While attempting to charm Janie, he accidentally spills her drink, which leads them to the restroom for a brief detour. During this moment, they uncover Janie’s academic struggles; Joel generously offers his tutoring services, which she gratefully accepts. However, the party takes a turn for the worse for Tori when another partygoer vomits on her, forcing her to leave early. Fatefully, Tori inadvertently runs into Scott with her car, leading to a mix of tension and humor as he recognizes her as “Tori the Whorie.” After some banter, Scott requests a ride to Heather’s, whom he is desperately trying to win back. This encounter quickly turns physical when they share an unexpected kiss, highlighted by Tori’s cheeky comment about her stash of condoms.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving, where families celebrate together. Scott chooses to leave his own family’s gathering to seek out Tori. He interrogates her about their connection from the night before. After she brushes him off, Tori’s mother invites Scott inside to join them in a competitive game of Dance Central. Scott proposes a wager: if he wins, Tori must kiss him. When Tori fires back with insults, Scott lets her take the victory, resulting in a farewell, seemingly for good.
The following day, chance brings Tori back into contact with Scott during a shopping outing, prompting an awkward yet comical encounter. When Tori accuses him of stalking her, Scott reveals his true intentions were captured via candid photos during Black Friday shopping, creating a more playful atmosphere. Tori expresses her insecurity about her relationship history, stating she didn’t sleep with the “cool guy,” but rather with a “formerly cool guy who’s actually a big dork.” As Scott struggles to recall any “cool” actions from his life since graduation, Tori invites him to step out of his comfort zone by completing her “F*ck it list,” beginning with some outrageous dares.
Highlights from their mischievous adventures include attempts to engage in silly antics: Scott humorously putting a cucumber down his pants and Tori stuffing a watermelon under her shirt during a grocery run, leading to an unexpected comment from the cashier. Their antics culminate with Scott fainting after a piercing escapade initiated by Tori. Meanwhile, chaos ensues as Joel tries to impress Janie by renting a party bus, but his intentions quickly blur toward less honorable pursuits.
The emotional stakes rise as Tori shares a brownie with Scott, claiming it to be a pot brownie. In a moment of honesty, she confesses it was merely a regular treat, triggering a back-and-forth conversation about their previous mishaps. They both open up, and Scott takes Tori on a surprise trip to an empty football stadium, aiming for a romantic moment interrupted by Tori’s playful tackle.
Joel sets up a heartfelt dance with Janie following their dinner at a fancy restaurant; however, her clarity leads her to leave him, sensing his manipulative charm. In an important confrontation, Tori finds Scott at her sister’s engagement party wielding a razor and shaving his head to demonstrate his commitment to changing his ways. Their reconciliation leads to a sweet kiss, marking a new chapter as Tori assists him with his freshly shaved locks.
As the movie draws to a close, we see Tori reflecting on her memories with Scott while at the airport, paralleling Scott staring at a picture of them from Black Friday. The film concludes with Scott sending Tori a playful Snapchat message: > “See you Christmas.”
Not Cool Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Tori's Reflection at the Party” to “Scott's Playful Snapchat”. 14 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Tori's Reflection at the Party
The film opens with Tori, a former high school student, at a party. She reflects on her disdain for high school life when a fellow partygoer unexpectedly vomits on her, setting a humorous yet chaotic tone for the story.
Where:Party Venue
- 2
Arrival at the Airport
Tori arrives at the airport to reunite with her family, consisting of her parents and blind sister, Lisa. Her first interaction is comically engaging with a homeless man, where she jokingly asks to switch lives, indicating her own dissatisfaction.
Where:Airport
- 3
Family Engagement Announcement
Upon meeting her family, Tori's sister Marissa excitedly announces her engagement, which brings underlying family tensions to the surface. This announcement sets a significant change in dynamics within the family gathering.
Where:Family Home
- 4
Scott and Heather's Breakup
Simultaneously, Scott is at the airport meeting his girlfriend, Heather. Their relationship takes a dark turn after a heated argument in a men's restroom, leading to an emotional breakup that showcases the struggles of young adulthood.
Where:Airport Restroom
- 5
Joel's Visit to Janie
Joel, another high school alumnus, visits his long-time crush Janie. He inadvertently shares sensitive information about her father’s store closing, sparking tension between Janie and her brother Scott as they confront their father’s decisions.
Where:School
- 6
Tori Joins the Party
Desperate to escape her family's drama, Tori joins Joel at a party where a comedic turn of events occurs. While attempting to charm Janie, Tori accidentally spills her drink, leading to a bonding moment and Tori's eventual departure.
Where:Party
- 7
Fateful Car Encounter
Tori accidentally runs into Scott with her car, leading to an awkward yet humorous reunion. Their banter quickly escalates into an unexpected kiss, revealing a surprising chemistry between the two former classmates.
Where:Street
- 8
Thanksgiving Gathering
During Thanksgiving, families congregate, and Scott seeks out Tori amidst the festivities. Their playful competition during a game of Dance Central leads to a banter-filled exchange and a temporary farewell filled with unresolved tension.
When:Thanksgiving Where:Family Home
- 9
Awkward Shopping Encounter
The day after Thanksgiving, Tori has a comical encounter with Scott while shopping. When Tori accuses Scott of stalking her, he lightheartedly explains his candid photo intentions, showcasing a growing camaraderie between them.
Where:Shopping Center
- 10
Adventures on the 'F*ck It List'
In a playful twist, Tori encourages Scott to step out of his comfort zone by completing her 'F*ck it list.' Their antics include humorous stunts like Scott putting a cucumber down his pants, which shows their budding friendship and chemistry.
Where:Grocery Store
Show the other 5 events of Not Cool Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confessions Over Brownies
While sharing brownies, Tori and Scott engage in an honest conversation about their past mishaps. This deeper connection cultivates trust and understanding, prompting a romantic moment at an empty football stadium.
Where:Football Stadium
- 12
Joel's Heartfelt Dance
After a romantic dinner, Joel attempts a heartfelt dance with Janie, but she senses manipulation beneath his charm. This pivotal moment leads to Janie’s departure, highlighting the issues in Joel's character.
Where:Restaurant
- 13
Scott's Razor Commitment
At Marissa’s engagement party, Tori discovers Scott shaving his head as a bold statement of his desire for change. This act triggers a heartfelt moment between them, leading to a sweet kiss that signifies a new beginning in their relationship.
Where:Engagement Party
- 14
Final Reflections
As the film reaches its conclusion, Tori reflects on her memories with Scott at the airport. Meanwhile, Scott gazes at a photo of them, suggesting that their paths will continue to intertwine.
Where:Airport
- 15
Scott's Playful Snapchat
The closing scene features Scott sending Tori a playful Snapchat message, teasing about seeing her at Christmas. This leaves viewers with a sense of hope and anticipation for their future together.
Who Are the Main Characters in Not Cool?
4 characters, among them Tori (Cherami Leigh), Scott (Shane Dawson) and Joel (Drew Monson): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- T(
Tori (Cherami Leigh)
Tori is a witty and self-reflective young woman, grappling with her past while striving for a better future. Her humor masks deeper insecurities about her relationships and life choices. Throughout the film, Tori challenges herself and others, leading to moments of growth and connection.
- 🤔 Self-Discovery
- 💪 Growth
- 🎭 Humor
- S(
Scott (Shane Dawson)
Scott is a former high school classmate with a charming yet dorky persona. His journey involves reconciling past mistakes and pursuing a second chance with Tori. Scott's character embodies the struggles of young love, with a blend of humor and earnestness that makes him relatable.
- ❤️ Romance
- 😂 Comedy
- 🔄 Transformation
- J(
Joel (Drew Monson)
Joel is a well-meaning but slightly misguided friend who harbors feelings for Janie. His attempts to win her over often lead to comedic situations, showcasing his determination and vulnerability. Throughout the film, Joel learns to navigate his romantic pursuits with greater sincerity.
- 😅 Goofiness
- 💔 Unrequited Love
- 🎈 Friendship
- J(
Janie (Michelle Vientimilla)
Janie is portrayed as a smart and somewhat conflicted character, balancing her academic struggles with her feelings for Joel. Her straightforwardness helps anchor the narrative as she navigates her relationship with her brother and the complexities of young love.
- 📚 Academics
- ❤️ Young Love
- ✊ Realism
Where and When Is Not Cool Set?
Not Cool is set in High School, Airport, Family Home, Grocery Store and Football Stadium. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, capturing the essence of modern family gatherings, relationship challenges, and social dynamics. It showcases the rollercoaster of emotions common in early adulthood, focusing on moments of humor and introspection. The timeline includes significant holidays like Thanksgiving, grounding the narrative in familiar seasonal experiences.
Where
High School, Airport, Family Home, Grocery Store, Football Stadium
The story unfolds across various locations, notably a high school that serves as a backdrop for past memories and encounters. The airport acts as a pivotal point for the family reunion, setting the tone for the film's exploration of relationships. The family home is where personal dynamics are tested amid celebrations. The grocery store becomes a stage for humorous escapades, while the football stadium symbolizes a romantic getaway filled with playful moments.
- 🏫 High School
- ✈️ Airport
- 🏠 Family Home
- 🥦 Grocery Store
- 🏟️ Football Stadium
What Are the Themes of Not Cool?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Heartbreak, Coming of Age and Family Dynamics.
-
01
Love and Heartbreak
Love and heartbreak are central themes as characters navigate their romantic entanglements and unresolved feelings. Tori and Scott's relationship trajectory is marked by comical misunderstandings, heartfelt confessions, and personal growth. It underscores the struggles of young love, the impact of past relationships, and the journey towards healing and connection.
-
02
Coming of Age
The film highlights the coming-of-age theme, focusing on characters grappling with their identities and social expectations. Tori and Scott's adventures reflect the risks and rewards of stepping out of their comfort zones. This theme promotes self-discovery, laughter, and the pursuit of authenticity in the face of personal and external pressures.
-
03
Family Dynamics
Family dynamics play a crucial role as the film explores the interactions between Tori and her family members. The engagement announcement sparks tensions and reveals underlying issues within the family. The narrative underscores the importance of understanding and reconciling familial relationships amidst personal growth and individual aspirations.
What Kind of Film Is Not Cool?
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 chaotic and energetic teen comedy that captures the awkwardness and rebellious spirit of adolescence through a series of outrageous dares, relationship mishaps, and family holiday gatherings.
- youthful
- rebellious
- awkward
- playful
- chaotic
- energetic
- coming of age
- teenage rebellion
- romantic connection
- self-discovery
Content notes: vomiting.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Not Cool
Rent it from Amazon Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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