What Is Poms About?
The premise of Poms in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gentle sprawl of Sun Springs, a quiet retirement community tucked away in Georgia, a woman seeking a calm final chapter arrives to leave behind the restless rhythm of city life. Martha carries with her a desire for peace, a well‑worn sense of routine, and a past that includes the bright flashes of a high‑school cheerleader’s uniform. The community’s orderly cadence is overseen by a diligent supervisor who encourages residents to join one of the many clubs that fill the calendar, promising camaraderie and purpose for those who might otherwise fade into the background.
A burst of color and spontaneity enters the scene when a new neighbor moves in next door. Sheryl radiates energy, quickly turning the quiet hallways into a venue for impromptu gatherings and spirited conversation. She sees in Martha a spark that has dimmed but not vanished, and gently nudges her toward a more active, unapologetically bold existence. Their budding friendship becomes the catalyst for an unlikely idea: to revive the long‑lost art of cheerleading among the senior residents, gathering a small troupe of women who, despite age and infirmities, still crave the thrill of synchronized movement and shared applause.
The film balances a light‑hearted, comedic sensibility with heartfelt moments, painting a world where expectations about age are questioned and the notion of “too late” is constantly challenged. The tone is warm and spirited, inviting viewers to wonder how a group traditionally associated with youthful exuberance can find new rhythm and relevance. As the seniors contemplate joining forces, the story hints at the doubts and external skepticism they must confront, promising a journey where teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of defying convention become the true heart of the adventure.
What Happens in Poms?
The complete story of Poms, from the first scene to the last, in 1,021 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Martha, Diane Keaton, a woman facing terminal cancer, makes a quiet, resolute choice to forego further treatment and moves from her cramped New York apartment to Sun Springs, a retirement community tucked in Georgia. The shift from urban solitude to a place built on routine and connection marks a new chapter where every resident is steered toward belonging to one of the community’s clubs. On arrival, she is greeted by the observant, practical Celia Weston Vicki, the community supervisor, who gives her a guided tour and explains the social structure that keeps Sun Springs humming.
Martha settles into a modest house near her new neighbors, and it isn’t long before she meets her next-door neighbor, Sheryl, Jacki Weaver. The two women strike up a wary, then warmer, rapport as Sheryl introduces her to a world of gatherings, activities, and the unspoken rules that govern this late-stage community life. But the constant background din of other residents and the expectations of the clubs soon become a daily soundtrack that Martha initially resists.
A restless night brings an incident that tests boundaries. The noise from Sheryl’s house pushes Martha toward calling the security chief, Chief Carl, Bruce McGill, to restore quiet. Yet Sheryl and her circle don’t retreat; instead, they slip into Martha’s home to avoid the watchful eye and press Martha to join their social orbit. From that night on, Sheryl grows more insistent about friendship and shared activities, drawing Martha into a dance of invitation and reluctance that will push Martha to revisit parts of herself she thought were behind her.
One evening, while watching television, Martha learns about fireworks used in funerals and begins imagining a fireworks display for her own send-off. The idea seeds a bold, improbable plan that foreshadows the film’s themes of legacy, celebration, and defiance. After a period of hesitation, Martha opens up to Sheryl about her past as a cheerleader—an identity she had to relinquish to care for her ailing mother. Sheryl suggests that Martha reclaim that energy, and this spark leads to a daring notion: start a cheerleading club right in Sun Springs.
With a blend of stubborn optimism and practical persuasion, Martha persuades Vicki to greenlight the project and to recruit the minimum eight members. The tryouts yield six women—Olive, Alice, Ruby, Evelyn, Phyllis, and Helen—and Martha enlists Sheryl’s teenage grandson Ben to work as their DJ, giving the club a touch of youth and vitality. The team begins practicing, but aging bodies and limited space make nourishment of technique and spirit a real challenge. The group’s momentum is tested again when Vicki announces they must relocate their practice space, pushing Sheryl to secure a spot at a local high school’s pep rally.
In the high school locker room, a stingy wave of taunts greets them from younger cheerleaders, including Chloe, a student of Sheryl’s, played by Alisha Boe. The pep rally itself becomes a proving ground: the group pushes through nerves, Becky-like camaraderie, and the awkward rhythm of adults trying something new. The routine lands with rough edges, and Helen, one of the club members, injures her ankle during the performance. The moment is captured on video by Ben, and the clip travels fast, going viral and drawing the attention—and the anxiety—of Helen’s son, Tom, who threatens a lawsuit to discipline the group. Under pressure, the Sun Springs community votes to disband the club, a brutal reminder of the fragility of dream-choices in the face of legal and social pressure.
Back at Martha’s home, the mood shifts from defeat to resolve. Martha invites Sheryl to share a drink, and while watching the viral clip, they hear a voice that seems to be a cheerleader from the past—Chloe’s—and realize the post was not the work of a random classmate but of someone within their own orbit. They confront Chloe at her home, and, moved by fear and remorse, Chloe breaks down. She apologizes, but more importantly, she reveals a willingness to help. Martha and Sheryl forgive her and recruit her to become the group’s choreographer, noting that her perspective might be exactly what they need to reassemble the team.
The decision to rebuild is not merely about dancing; it becomes a testament to resilience in the face of illness. With Chloe coaching and Martha’s steady, if secret, courage, the club reforms and refines its routine. They rehearse, grow more cohesive, and prepare for a new kind of competition—a chance to prove their worth, not just to themselves but to a community that had counted them out.
Meanwhile, Martha’s cancer progresses, a truth she guards from the others as she continues to push through rehearsals and planning. After leaving a group party, she collapses while walking home, and in the hospital she confesses to Sheryl that she isn’t sure she’ll attend the upcoming competition. Sheryl urges her not to quit, to keep dancing and living as long as she can, and to make the journey worthy of its end.
The day of the competition arrives, and the club—now a tight-knit team—makes a bold, coordinated sprint toward the goal. They rescue Helen from Tom’s attempt to block her access to the competition and escape the pursuing wheels of Vicki and Chief Carl, who ultimately stand with them as spectators rather than antagonists. The group performs with surprising grace and energy, earning the crowd’s affection and earning the respect of rival teams. The performance ends not just in a victory but in a sense of communal triumph, and as the event closes, a fireworks display punctuates the moment: Martha has died, her ashes or memory honored in the spectacle of light and color at her funeral.
A year passes, and the Sun Springs troupe has grown, welcoming new members while continuing to perform to support a cancer charity in Martha’s memory. They prepare for another round of competition, determined to honor their mentor and the community that rebuilt itself around hope. The end credits roll over clips of others embracing similar zest—dancing and celebrating life in ways that echo Martha’s own legacy, a reminder that memory can be carried forward through shared courage and collaborative joy.
Poms Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Martha moves to Sun Springs” to “A year later: new squad and a memorial competition”. 15 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Martha moves to Sun Springs
Martha, a woman dying of cancer, relocates from New York to a retirement community called Sun Springs in Georgia. She arrives and is greeted with a tour by Vicki, who explains the community's club system. This move sets the stage for her to reinvent herself and connect with neighbors.
When:On arrival at Sun Springs Where:Sun Springs, Georgia
- 2
Night disturbance leads to a new connection
Martha meets her next door neighbor Sheryl, who becomes intrigued by her. One night, loud noise from Sheryl's house prompts Martha to call the community security chief Carl to quiet the party. Sheryl and her friends sneak into Martha's house to hide, and she convinces Martha to let them stay, while Martha remains wary of their friendship.
When:Night after arrival Where:Martha's home, Sun Springs
- 3
Martha considers a funeral fireworks plan
Martha watches a TV program about fireworks for funerals and becomes fixated on using fireworks at her own send-off. The idea reflects her defiant wish to choose how she is remembered. It foreshadows the emotional weight of her later decisions.
When:Days after moving Where:Martha's home
- 4
Martha befriends Sheryl and plans a cheer club
Martha accepts Sheryl as a friend and learns that Martha was a cheerleader in her youth. Sheryl suggests that Martha try to be a cheerleader again, and helps start a Sun Springs cheer club. The plan takes root when Martha visits a high school where she works as a substitute teacher to recruit participants.
When:Shortly after Where:High school where Martha works as substitute teacher
- 5
Club forms and initial recruits join
Martha persuades Vicki to allow the new club and to recruit the minimum eight members. A tryout is held and six women join: Olive, Alice, Ruby, Evelyn, Phyllis, and Helen. The club begins to form despite the constraints of age and health.
When:Shortly after Where:Sun Springs
- 6
Ben the DJ joins and training begins
Martha hires Sheryl's teenage grandson Ben to be the group's DJ, helping to modernize their routine. Rehearsals begin, but the team quickly faces challenges due to their age and physical conditions. They press on, determined to prove themselves.
When:After tryouts Where:Sun Springs
- 7
Pep rally opportunity at the high school
Vicki suggests they relocate rehearsals and secure a spot at a high school pep rally. Sheryl arranges the venue and invites the group to perform where younger cheer squads crowd the gym. The shift creates pressure but also momentum.
When:During early practices Where:High School gym
- 8
Pep rally teases and a viral setback
In the locker room, the group is teased by younger cheerleaders, especially Chloe, a Sheryl's student. At the pep rally, the seniors' performance is shaky, and Helen injures her ankle. Afterward Ben reveals a video of their appearance has gone viral, inviting scrutiny from the community.
When:Pep rally day Where:High School
- 9
The club disbands after the viral video
The viral video, combined with Helen's injury and Tom's looming lawsuit threat, prompts Vicki and the community to vote unanimously to disband the club. The group parts ways and returns to their routine lives. The setback tests their resolve.
When:After the pep rally Where:Sun Springs community
- 10
Chloe apologizes and the squad reassembles
Martha and Sheryl confront Chloe over posting the video, but Chloe apologizes. They forgive her and decide to reassemble the squad, with Chloe agreeing to serve as choreographer and coach. The new plan emphasizes teamwork and perseverance.
When:Shortly after disband Where:Chloe's house
Show the other 5 events of Poms Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Reassembly under Chloe's coaching; Martha's illness progresses
The group begins rehearsals again under Chloe's coaching and shows rapid improvement. Martha's cancer continues to progress behind the scenes, a secret she keeps from her teammates. The renewed determination strengthens their bond.
When:During the reassembly Where:Sun Springs
- 12
Martha collapses and heads to the hospital
After leaving a group party, Martha collapses and is rushed to the hospital. In the hospital, she tells Sheryl she won't attend the upcoming competition, fearing death. Sheryl encourages her to press on with the team.
When:Immediately after collapse Where:Hospital
- 13
The rescue toward the competition
Martha and the group rescue Helen from Tom by springing her from her bedroom and escaping pursuers. They make their way to the competition with help from sympathetic allies, including Chief Carl. The suspense builds as they fight to compete.
When:Before competition Where:Sun Springs to competition route
- 14
The competition, victory, and Martha's death
The group performs to acclaim at the competition, drawing crowds and winning over the audience and other teams. A fireworks finale follows, signaling Martha's death and funeral. The moment ties the group's triumph to her legacy.
When:Competition day and after Where:Competition venue
- 15
A year later: new squad and a memorial competition
One year after Martha's death, the group has added new members and prepares for another cheerleading competition as a charity event in her memory. They continue the tradition and honor Martha's legacy through dance. End credits show others performing similar dances.
When:One year later Where:Sun Springs
Who Are the Main Characters in Poms?
11 characters, among them Martha (Diane Keaton), Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) and Ben (Charlie Tahan): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Martha (Diane Keaton)
Played by Diane Keaton
A woman dying of cancer who relocates from New York to Sun Springs to forego further treatment. She is determined to reclaim purpose through activity and leadership, channeling her past as a cheerleader into a new community project. Martha is resourceful, stubborn, and deeply human as she navigates fear, friendship, and the risk of letting go. Her journey centers on finding meaning and connection in the face of illness.
- 🏷️ Protagonist
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Cancer
-
Sheryl (Jacki Weaver)
Played by Jacki Weaver
Martha's neighbor who becomes a catalyst for the cheerleading idea. She is pragmatic, at times pushy, but ultimately supportive as she helps organize activities and recruits teammates. Sheryl balances tough leadership with a growing sense of loyalty to Martha and the group. Her dynamic with Martha drives much of the film’s conflict and warmth.
- 🏷️ Friend
- 🏷️ Mentor
-
Ben (Charlie Tahan)
Played by Charlie Tahan
Sheryl's teenage grandson who is hired to DJ their pep rallies. He brings a youthful energy and tech-savvy presence to the group, bridging generations. Ben's involvement helps the seniors connect with contemporary culture while supporting the club's momentum.
- 🏷️ DJ
- 🏷️ Teen
-
Chloe (Alisha Boe)
Played by Alisha Boe
Sheryl's student who initially teases the older group but becomes their choreographer and coach. Chloe evolves from a source of friction to a trusted collaborator, helping the women grow their routine. Her presence highlights the power of empathy and mentorship across age gaps.
- 🏷️ Student
- 🏷️ Choreographer
- H(
Helen (Phyllis Somerville)
Played by Phyllis Somerville
A member of the club whose injury tests the group's resolve. Her illness and family dynamics, including her overbearing son, add emotional stakes to the journey. Helen's resilience contributes to the ensemble's determination to compete and persevere.
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Hospitalization
-
Olive (Pam Grier)
Played by Pam Grier
One of the initial six women who join the cheer squad, bringing warmth and personality to the group. Olive's presence helps ground the team in friendship and shared laughter. She embodies the movie's theme of vitality in later life.
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Friend
-
Alice (Rhea Perlman)
Played by Rhea Perlman
Another member of the community who participates in the club, contributing steadiness and camaraderie. Alice's participation reinforces the idea that community ties can be forged through shared hobbies and mutual support.
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Community
- P(
Phyllis (Patricia French)
Played by Patricia French
A fellow resident whose involvement underscores the inclusivity and variety within the Sun Springs group. Her presence helps demonstrate the diverse personalities that come together when pursuing a common goal.
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Veteran
- V(
Vicki (Celia Weston)
Played by Celia Weston
The community supervisor who oversees Sun Springs and ultimately votes to disband the cheer club. Vicki's decisions reflect the tension between tradition and the residents' desire for self-expression. Her role tests the group's resilience and unity.
- 🏷️ Authority
- 🏷️ Administrator
-
Chief Carl (Bruce McGill)
Played by Bruce McGill
Sun Springs' security chief who intervenes in noisy disturbances and later assists the group during their attempt to reach the competition. Carl represents the authority figure who tweaks the balance between control and compassion in the community.
- 🏷️ Security
- 🏷️ Authority
- E(
Evelyn (Ginny MacColl)
Played by Ginny MacColl
A member of the Sun Springs community who joins the cheer squad, contributing to the sense of a cooperative, multi-member group. Evelyn's involvement highlights the ensemble nature of the story and the ripple effects of building a team.
- 🏷️ Elderly
- 🏷️ Teamwork
Where and When Is Poms Set?
Poms is set in New York, Sun Springs Retirement Community and Georgia. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
New York, Sun Springs Retirement Community, Georgia
The film is primarily set at Sun Springs, a Georgia retirement community where residents are encouraged to join clubs and participate in organized activities. The early move from New York frames Martha's relocation as a fresh start in a place built around social life and intergenerational engagement. The setting serves as a backdrop for friendships, rivalry, and the pursuit of meaningful moments in later life.
- 🏷️ Retirement community
- 🗽 New York
- 🗺️ Georgia
What Are the Themes of Poms?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Resilience and Mortality.
-
01
Friendship
Martha's move to Sun Springs sparks new bonds across generations, highlighting how companionship can redefine life after diagnosis. The group’s camaraderie grows through shared goal-setting, practice, and support during setbacks. The film suggests that friendship can inject purpose and joy into aging, transforming lonely routines into active, communal experiences.
-
02
Resilience
Facing terminal illness, Martha fights to stay engaged with life and to prove that she can still lead and inspire. The cheerleading project becomes a symbol of stubborn optimism, with the group adapting to physical limits and setbacks. Resilience emerges from collective effort and a willingness to take risks for something meaningful.
-
03
Mortality
Martha's illness casts a quiet, ongoing pressure that shapes choices and relationships. The narrative uses mortality to explore legacy, memory, and the desire to leave a lasting impact on others. The finale turns Martha's life into a celebration of influence, love, and the communities formed around her.
What Kind of Film Is Poms?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A heartwarming yet poignant comedy-drama that celebrates female friendship and defying ageism, blending uplifting moments of empowerment with the melancholic undercurrent of a terminal diagnosis.
- uplifting
- defiant
- hopeful
- melancholic
- heartwarming
- empowering
- female friendship
- aging
- defying expectations
- terminal illness
Content notes: terminal illness, death of a character.
Quiz
How well do you remember Poms? Test yourself on the story.
