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Palo Alto

Palo Alto 2014

Directed by

Gia Coppola

Gia Coppola

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Palo Alto Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Palo Alto (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Teddy (Jack Kilmer) and Fred (Nat Wolff) are two carefree stoner teens navigating the ups and downs of high school life. One day, during a soccer practice, April (Emma Roberts) finds herself the topic of conversation among her friends, who giggle about their coach, Mr. B (James Franco), having a crush on her. Mr. B takes a special interest in April, asking her to babysit his son, Michael, and also offering her a position as a striker for the team.

As the story unfolds, Teddy and Fred have a candid discussion about hypothetical scenarios involving drunk driving. This conversation foreshadows the chaos that will soon ensue. At a lively party, Teddy dares to invite April to the graveyard, where a romantic moment unfolds as they hold hands and April carves a heart into a tree. Their bond seems to deepen as they venture back to the party, where the atmosphere is filled with alcohol and excitement. However, things take a turn when Teddy steps outside and is met with jealousy as he witnesses April kissing Ivan (Andrew Lutheran).

The tension escalates further as Teddy finds himself in a precarious situation after a car accident, a result of reckless driving. He quickly blames Fred for putting the idea in his head. A police officer soon arrives at Teddy’s house to arrest him for driving under influence, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Meanwhile, April is feeling the repercussions of her own decisions. Sitting by the pool with her friends, Chrissy (Olivia Crocicchia) and Shauna (Claudia Levy), she learns about Teddy’s escapade with Emily (Zoe Levin), which intensifies her feelings of betrayal and anger. As Teddy finds himself facing the law, battling probation conditions that include community service at a local children’s library, April begins to wrestle with her feelings for Mr. B, who soon reveals his affections for her.

In a series of increasingly dramatic events, Teddy’s troubled road includes graffiti misadventures that result in further consequences. Meanwhile, April’s relationship with Mr. B becomes complicated as she grapples with her emotions and the implications of their growing intimacy.

In the midst of all this drama, the boys attempt to navigate their own relationship dynamics as Fred and Emily become more entangled. Even as Teddy and Fred continue their escapades, the narrative escalates with Fred’s inner conflict regarding his identity, which culminates in a gripping moment of vulnerability during a conversation about sexuality.

As April’s confusion about her feelings reaches a peak, she faces the stark reality of her choices. In a moment that feels both liberating and tumultuous, she loses her virginity to Mr. B, only to be met with uncertainty the following day when she discovers that Michael has another babysitter, raising questions about her relationship with Mr. B.

The story reaches its climax as Teddy expresses his deep feelings for April, while Fred’s chaotic antics and encounters with friends lead to further estrangement. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the journey these teens take is filled with laughter, heartache, and a search for identity, leaving audiences pondering the true meaning of love, friendship, and the challenges that come with growing up. Ultimately, as Teddy navigates the turbulent waters of high school life, April’s text brings a smile to his face, hinting at underlying connections that persist amid the chaos.

Palo Alto Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Palo Alto (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


April's Soccer Practice

April is at soccer practice when her friends make fun of their coach, Mr. B, for having a crush on her. This sets the tone for the complicated relationships that will develop throughout the film.

Soccer Field

Teddy and Fred's Conversation

Teddy and Fred discuss hypothetical scenarios about drunk driving accidents. Teddy reveals his willingness to abandon his crush, April, if it meant escaping the consequences of such an accident.

Parking Lot

Graveyard Bonding

During a party, Teddy takes April and Fred to the graveyard where they share a moment of intimacy. April carves a heart into a tree, symbolizing her budding feelings for Teddy.

Graveyard

Jealousy at the Party

Teddy goes outside to throw up and ends up with Emily, who takes him to the bathroom. Meanwhile, April witnesses Teddy and Emily's kiss, sparking jealousy, which complicates her feelings for him.

Party House

Car Accident

After leaving the party, Teddy and Fred get into a car accident. Teddy drives away in panic, blaming Fred for their conversation about such hypothetical scenarios, showcasing their reckless choices.

Road

Arrest

A police officer arrives at Teddy's house to arrest him for driving under the influence. This event marks a turning point in Teddy's life, leading to serious ramifications and community service.

Teddy's House

Community Service Sentence

Teddy stands in court, where he's sentenced to twelve months of probation and community service at a children's library. This experience becomes a source of embarrassment and reflection for him.

Courthouse

Trouble at the Library

While serving his community service, Teddy gets in trouble for misbehaving with Fred, who draws inappropriate things in a children's book. This incident highlights how difficult it is for him to learn from his past mistakes.

Children's Library

Mr. B's Confession

April visits Mr. B for help with her History paper, but the meeting turns inappropriate when he confesses his feelings and kisses her. This incident complicates her emotions as she navigates adulthood.

Mr. B's House

Destruction of the Heart Tree

In a reckless spree, Teddy and Fred decide to cut down the tree where April carved a heart. This act symbolizes their destructive decision-making and disregard for the feelings they each have towards April.

Graveyard

April's Soccer Game Struggles

During a soccer game, April struggles to perform, adding pressure to her already complicated relationship with Mr. B. Mr. B offers to drive her home, leading to an unexpected turn in their relationship.

Soccer Field

Loss of Virginity

In a vulnerable moment, April loses her virginity to Mr. B after he drives her home. This moment significantly alters their relationship and adds to the complexities of April's emotional journey.

Mr. B's House

Conflict Over Babysitting

When babysitting Michael, April is hurt to learn he has another babysitter. This news deepens her emotional turmoil and leads her to confront Mr. B about their inappropriate relationship.

Michael's House

April's Conflicted Feelings

At another party, April and Teddy share an intimate moment where he professes his love. This confession only confuses April more, as she grapples with her feelings towards both Teddy and Mr. B.

Party

Fred's Emotional Struggle

As Teddy and Fred get weed from Skull, Fred reveals his struggles with his identity and sexuality, crying after being teased. This moment highlights the deeper issues they all face as teenagers searching for their identities.

Road

Palo Alto Characters

Explore all characters from Palo Alto (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Teddy (Jack Kilmer)

Teddy is a stoner teenager whose impulsive behavior often gets him into trouble. He struggles with feelings for April and experiences the tumult of first love and heartbreak. His actions reflect teenage rebellion and a journey toward self-awareness.

💔 Relationships 🍃 Rebellion

April (Emma Roberts)

April is a talented soccer player caught in a complicated love triangle with Teddy and Mr. B. She experiences the pressures of adolescence and the confusion of her feelings, revealing the challenges of navigating friendships and romantic entanglements.

💔 Heartbreak 🤔 Self-discovery

Mr. B (James Franco)

Mr. B is April's soccer coach, who develops an inappropriate romantic interest in her. He embodies the complexities of adult relationships with teenagers, reflecting the blurred lines of authority and attraction, and the consequences of such relationships.

💔 Heartbreak 🤔 Unethical Relations

Fred (Nat Wolff)

Fred is Teddy's best friend who is often the instigator of their reckless adventures. His character provides comic relief while highlighting the darker sides of teenage life, exploring themes of sexuality and peer pressure.

🍃 Rebellion 🤔 Identity

Emily (Zoe Levin)

Emily is a female character who complicates the dynamics between Teddy and April. She engages in a flirty and sexual relationship with Teddy, which incites jealousy in April, showcasing the tensions of adolescent romance.

💔 Jealousy 🍃 Rebellion

Palo Alto Settings

Learn where and when Palo Alto (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie is set in the contemporary era, reflecting the lives of modern teenagers grappling with issues such as relationships, substance use, and personal identity. This setting allows for an exploration of youth culture and the challenges faced by the characters in today's society.

Location

Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a city located in California's Silicon Valley, known for its proximity to prestigious universities and a vibrant tech culture. The city features a blend of suburban living with rich historical significance and a youthful spirit, particularly among its teenage population.

🌆 City 🏞️ Suburban

Palo Alto Themes

Discover the main themes in Palo Alto (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a significant theme in the movie as characters navigate the complexities of young love and romantic jealousy. April experiences turmoil over her feelings for Mr. B and Teddy, highlighting the confusion and emotional struggles of adolescence. The characters' actions often lead to painful realizations, underlining the impact of their decisions on their relationships.

🍃

Rebellion

Rebellion among teenagers is a prominent theme in 'Palo Alto,' as the characters engage in risky behaviors like drinking, partying, and experimenting with substance use. This rebellious spirit serves as a coping mechanism for the characters as they seek to escape their problems, often leading to consequences that shape their identities and futures.

🤔

Self-discovery

Self-discovery is woven throughout the narrative as characters grapple with their identities and relationships. The film portrays Teddy and Fred's journey through their friendship and personal struggles, revealing their vulnerabilities and the search for belonging during a pivotal time in their lives.

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