The Wise Kids 2012

As graduation approaches, three high school seniors—Brea, Tim, and their dear friend Laura—are caught in the whirlwind of exploring their faith, identity, and relationships. Their South Carolina Baptist church, once a sanctuary, starts revealing its fractures as they prepare to say goodbye. For Brea, the seeds of doubt regarding her beliefs take root, creating tension with the devout Laura, who remains unwavering in her faith. Meanwhile, Tim grapples with the stirring feelings of his own sexuality, challenging the stability of his long-standing friendship with Laura.

Amidst these tensions, Brea finds a kindred spirit in Cheryl, a rebellious outcast unafraid to challenge the norms. It is through her influence that Brea’s disillusionment with the church’s strict doctrines deepens, pushing her to look critically at the contradictions within scripture. This newfound skepticism blooms into a strong sense of independence, igniting a journey that leads her to carve out her own beliefs and pathways.

Further complicating the narrative, Elizabeth, the wife of music director Austin, struggles within her marriage, feeling a disconnect despite their seemingly perfect life. Austin’s inability to connect on an intimate level has left Elizabeth in a state of frustration, prompting her to seek solace in Dylan, a married youth director, highlighting the fragile foundation of their union.

As Tim embarks on his self-discovery journey, he finds support in his father, Jerry, who, despite his initial reservations, steps up to guide his son. With his younger brother Brad still grappling with this unfolding reality, Tim seizes the chance to explore his sexuality and freedom at a dance club, surrendering to the music and passion of the moment.

With graduation nearing, Laura feels a growing chasm between herself and her friends, Tim and Brea, whose acceptance into New York University signals their departure from South Carolina. In her quest to maintain their connection, she turns to April, leading to an awkward lunch date with April’s cousin, Patrick, introducing a new dynamic into her life.

In a touching climax, the trio gathers for one final celebration before embarking on their college adventures. Laura earnestly urges Brea to stay true to her faith, yet it’s evident their paths are diverging. As they bid farewell, they each face the exhilarating uncertainty of their futures, holding tight to their beliefs and the treasured memories of their friendship.

As the semester concludes, the trio—now including Patrick in Laura’s life—returns home, their bond notably deeper from shared experiences. Jerry, curious about Tim’s college life, suggests he should explore romance, a nod to the changing dynamics in their family. The evening unfolds with a heartfelt moment as Austin confides in Tim about his own struggles with same-sex attractions. In an atmosphere charged with mixed emotions, Tim offers comfort, turning his solid friendship into a safe harbor for Austin’s vulnerability.

The narrative culminates in a poignant scene at the church’s living nativity. Here, the air filled with hope and love, Austin whispers sweet words to Elizabeth, “I love you,” to which she lovingly responds, “I love you, too.” This quiet yet profound exchange encapsulates the themes of acceptance, love, and friendship, leaving a lasting impression of the journey towards embracing one’s true self.