What Is What Goes Up About?
The premise of What Goes Up in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the summer of 1986 a world still buzzing with the hope of a civilian in space collides with the quiet rhythms of a New England town. Campbell Babbitt, a sharp‑tongued journalist from Manhattan, is dispatched to cover the hometown fanfare surrounding Christa McAuliffe’s historic flight. What begins as a routine assignment quickly unfolds into an intimate portrait of a community still reeling from the loss of a beloved, unconventional teacher. The film captures the gentle clatter of small‑town life—high‑school hallways, town meetings, and the lingering scent of autumn leaves—while underscoring the lingering weight of national dreams that never quite landed.
Arriving with his characteristic cynicism, Campbell finds himself drawn into the orbit of a group of students whose grief has turned their school into a sanctuary of broken idols and whispered hopes. Among them is Molly, a fellow educator struggling to keep the delicate balance between protecting her students and confronting the shadows that threaten to spill into the open. The teenagers, each carrying a distinct brand of restless energy—some fierce, some shy, some daringly self‑aware—form a makeshift family that both challenges and comforts the weary reporter. Their interactions pulse with the raw intensity of adolescence, painting a vivid tableau of yearning, loyalty, and the search for meaning in an era still defined by its optimism.
The tone of the film is unmistakably bittersweet, blending quiet humor with a poignant undercurrent that never lets the melancholy become oppressive. Through Campbell’s hesitant immersion, the story asks whether a seasoned cynic can rediscover a sense of purpose when surrounded by youthful idealism and fragile hero worship. As the narrative hovers between the lingering echo of a national tragedy and the intimate dramas of a small town, viewers are invited to linger in the space where personal and collective grief intersect, leaving the promise of transformation hanging in the autumn air.
What Happens in What Goes Up?
The complete story of What Goes Up, from the first scene to the last, in 339 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
This poignant slice-of-life film follows Campbell Babbitt, played by Steve Coogan, a morally conflicted and emotionally troubled reporter from New York. He is sent to cover the excitement surrounding Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian astronaut, in her hometown of New Hampshire. Upon his arrival in this quaint town, Campbell reaches out to an old college friend, only to uncover a tragic suicide.
As another teacher, [Molly Shannon], attempts to shield an impending scandal from the ever-watchful eyes of the press, Campbell finds himself drawn to a group of students who were profoundly influenced by their beloved but unconventional teacher. Instead of chasing the conventional hero story he had anticipated, he stumbles upon a motley crew of dysfunctional high schoolers – misfits and outcasts including a narcissistic temptress, portrayed by Hilary Duff, a repressed voyeur, played by Josh Peck, and a scheming pregnant teenager, brought to life by Olivia Thirlby.
In order to earn their trust, Babbitt opens up about a professional misstep he made back in New York, which leads him down an intriguing path of manipulation, need for attention, and the attempt to create heroes in a world seemingly devoid of them. As the narrative unfolds, the lines between mentor and student begin to blur, showcasing a remarkable role reversal. The students, in their wild and passionate expressions of grief over their teacher’s demise marred by scandal, begin to reveal profound insights that challenge Babbitt’s perceptions.
In a deeply resonant moment, Babbitt learns that he may actually need a hero himself—more than the students require him to take on that role. His evolving relationship with the students kicks off an exploration that sees him grappling with emotions he didn’t think he would encounter. This includes a dangerous infatuation with a student, who is rumored to have had an affair with his deceased friend. Set against the backdrop of 1986, this rich narrative captures a tumultuous journey as an emotionally scarred reporter dives headfirst into a chaotic world of teenage angst, ultimately leading him to confront his own vulnerabilities.
What Goes Up Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to Campbell Babbitt” to “Closure and Reflection”. 6 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Introduction to Campbell Babbitt
Campbell Babbitt, a reporter from New York, is the central character of the film. He is depicted as a morally conflicted and emotionally troubled individual who comprises a unique lens through which the story unfolds.
Where:New York
- 2
Assignment to Cover Christa McAuliffe
Campbell receives his assignment to cover Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian astronaut from New Hampshire. This opportunity presents him with a chance to chase a conventional hero story, something he initially looks forward to.
Where:New Hampshire
- 3
Arrival in New Hampshire
Upon arriving in the quaint town of New Hampshire, Campbell reaches out to an old college friend. Instead of a warm reunion, he uncovers the tragic news of the friend's suicide, which sets a somber tone for his visit.
Where:New Hampshire
- 4
Encounter with Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon's character, a teacher, attempts to protect the town from a growing scandal related to the suicide. Campbell discovers the complexity of the situation through his interactions with her.
Where:New Hampshire
- 5
Meeting the Students
Campbell becomes fascinated by a group of students profoundly impacted by their unconventional teacher. These students, a mix of misfits and outcasts, provide a fresh perspective on their loss, which differs from Campbell's expectations.
Where:Local High School
- 6
Campbell's Professional Misstep
To gain the students' trust, Campbell candidly shares details about a professional misstep he faced in New York. This act of vulnerability leads to deeper discussions and a complex relationship with the students.
- 7
Blurring Lines of Mentor and Student
As the story progresses, the lines between Campbell as a mentor and the students begin to blur. This shift reveals the students’ profound insights into life, loss, and grief, causing Campbell to reflect deeply on his own experiences.
- 8
Confronting Personal Vulnerabilities
Babbitt faces his own vulnerabilities throughout his relationship with the students. He realizes that he might need a hero in his life, illustrating a poignant twist in the narrative.
- 9
Dangerous Infatuation
Campbell develops a dangerous infatuation with one of the students, who is rumored to have had an affair with his deceased friend. This complicated situation adds layers of emotional conflict to his journey.
- 10
Exploring Teenage Anguish
The narrative captures Campbell's immersion into the chaotic world of teenage angst and grief. Through the students’ wild expressions, he begins to reconsider his perception of heroism and personal truth.
When:1986 Where:Local High School
Show the other 4 events of What Goes Up Hide the last 4 events
- 11
The Impact of Loss
The unfolding events lead Campbell to witness the students grappling with their profound grief over their teacher's death. Their struggles foster an environment of honesty and raw emotion that challenges his worldview.
- 12
Emotional Transformation
As the story reaches its climax, Campbell undergoes a significant emotional transformation. The journey forces him to confront layers of unresolved feelings, leading him to rethink his role as a reporter and a mentor.
- 13
Final Reckoning
The culmination of Campbell’s explorations results in a powerful conclusion where he must reckon with his past missteps and the impact of his interactions with the students. This moment reflects the film's overarching themes of redemption and understanding.
- 14
Closure and Reflection
Ultimately, Campbell finds a sense of closure within himself as he reflects on the experiences and insights gained from the students. Their influence leaves a lasting impact, changing his outlook on life and heroism.
Who Are the Main Characters in What Goes Up?
5 characters, among them Campbell Babbitt, Molly Shannon's Character and Hilary Duff's Character: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- CB
Campbell Babbitt
Campbell is a morally conflicted reporter from New York, haunted by his past choices and emotions. His journey to cover a civic event leads him to encounter profound grief and unexpected mentorship opportunities with his subjects. As he grapples with his own vulnerabilities, Campbell's character experiences significant transformation throughout the narrative.
- 📰 Reporter
- 😞 Troubled
- MS
Molly Shannon's Character
Molly's character serves as a protective figure in the film, attempting to shield her students and the community from the scandal that arises after the teacher's suicide. Her dedication to her role reflects the complexities of educational responsibility and the impact of adult decisions on youth. She embodies the struggle to maintain integrity in a challenging environment.
- 👩🏫 Teacher
- ☔ Protective
- HD
Hilary Duff's Character
Portraying a narcissistic temptress, Hilary's character embodies the complexities of teenage identity and the longing for validation. Her actions and motivations reveal the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, as she grapples with her desires amidst the chaos of grief. The complexity of her character adds depth to the film's exploration of youth struggles.
- 👗 Temptress
- 😈 Complex
- JP
Josh Peck's Character
Josh's character is portrayed as a repressed voyeur, providing a unique perspective on the emotional turmoil experienced by students. His quiet observation becomes a form of coping, demonstrating the varied responses to the grief surrounding their teacher's death. The complexity of his persona offers a deeper insight into teenage challenges and desires.
- 👀 Voyeur
- 🦸♂️ Observer
- OT
Olivia Thirlby's Character
As a scheming pregnant teenager, Olivia's character highlights teenage struggles with responsibility and the consequences of actions. Her situation serves as a catalyst for discussions about the implications of personal choices in the midst of family and societal pressures. This adds a layer of complexity to the group dynamic of misfits and outcasts.
- 👶 Pregnant
- 🚼 Schemer
Where and When Is What Goes Up Set?
What Goes Up is set in New Hampshire (1986). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1986
The film is set in 1986, a year marked by significant cultural and historical events, including the excitement surrounding space exploration. This time period also experienced vivid changes in social dynamics and youth culture, influencing the characters' interactions and struggles as they navigate their complex emotions and relationships.
Where
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm. It serves as the backdrop for the film, adding a sense of intimacy and depth to the emotional struggles faced by the characters. The town's quaintness contrasts sharply with the underlying turmoil surrounding the tragic events that unfold.
- 🌳 Location
- 📚 Education
What Are the Themes of What Goes Up?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Loss, Mentorship and Morality.
-
01
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the film as characters grapple with the tragic suicide of a beloved teacher. It explores how grief affects both students and adults alike, revealing the different ways individuals process their emotions. The film emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in the face of profound loss.
-
02
Mentorship
What Goes Up challenges traditional notions of mentorship, as the boundaries blur between the reporter and the students. Campbell Babbitt's evolving relationship with the students illustrates the mutual impact they have on one another, forcing him to confront his vulnerabilities while they seek guidance amidst their chaos. This role reversal allows for a rich exploration of personal growth.
-
03
Morality
The film delves into the murky waters of morality as Campbell navigates his professional missteps and emotional conflicts. He faces dilemmas that question his ethical boundaries as he builds relationships with the students. This exploration prompts audiences to reflect on the complexities of right and wrong in personal and professional realms.
What Kind of Film Is What Goes Up?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
This melancholic drama immerses the viewer in the chaotic, grief-stricken world of a group of teenagers, as seen through the cynical eyes of a troubled reporter, leading to an emotionally raw and transformative experience.
- grieving
- cynical
- reflective
- uncomfortable
- melancholic
- chaotic
- grief and loss
- coming of age
- moral conflict
- teacher-student relationship
Content notes: suicide, teenage pregnancy, student-teacher affair.
Quiz
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