What Is Yes, God, Yes About?
The premise of Yes, God, Yes in 337 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the waning days of 2000, a strict Midwestern Catholic high school clings to an old‑world sense of propriety, where every lesson is filtered through doctrine and the weight of eternity feels palpable in the hallway echo. The campus buzzes with the rhythm of confession, choir rehearsals, and the ever‑present pressure to conform, creating a world that feels both timeless and hilariously out of step with the dawning digital age.
Into this environment steps Alice, a fifteen‑year‑old junior whose reputation rests on being a model of good Catholic behavior. She is earnest, diligent, and deeply reverent, yet a quiet curiosity about the mysteries of intimacy begins to stir beneath the surface of her carefully scripted life. Her moral compass is constantly nudged by the stern teachings of Father Murphy, whose classes frame any sexual desire as a dangerous road to damnation, and by the more casual, teasing guidance of her best friend Laura, whose own attitudes toward the school’s gossip culture add both comfort and confusion.
When an innocent AOL chatroom conversation unexpectedly turns suggestive, Alice finds herself suddenly obsessed with the language and ideas she has long been denied. The rumor mill whirls, and a mandatory spiritual retreat looms on the horizon, promising a chance at redemption while also gathering the very people who embody the pull of the forbidden: Chris, a charismatic senior who leads one of the retreat groups, and Nina, a popular upperclassman who holds a position of authority over the younger students. Their presence hints at the tangled mix of authority, attraction, and rebellion that will color Alice’s summer.
The film balances a dry, reverent humor with earnest teenage awkwardness, painting a portrait of a young woman caught between the rigid expectations of her faith community and the inevitable pull of her own burgeoning desires. Its tone is at once intimate and cheeky, inviting the audience to witness a coming‑of‑age journey that feels both specific to its Catholic setting and universally resonant for anyone navigating the uneasy border between innocence and curiosity.
What Happens in Yes, God, Yes?
The complete story of Yes, God, Yes, from the first scene to the last, in 758 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
It is the fall of 2000. Alice is a sexually inexperienced but curious junior at a strict Midwestern co-ed Catholic high school, where Father Murphy instructs her Morality class that any sexual activity not aimed toward procreation within a heterosexual marriage is a sin, with eternal damnation as punishment. She struggles with accepting her burgeoning feelings of sexual desire after both Father Murphy and her best friend, Laura, cause her to feel ashamed of them.
The following Monday, the school is abuzz with a rumor that Alice “tossed the salad” of a classmate, Wade, at Laura’s party over the weekend. Alice denies this, admitting to not knowing what the phrase means. The rumor reaches Mrs. Veda, who prevents Alice from serving at Mass. Later that day, during the sacrament of reconciliation, Alice confesses venial sins to Father Murphy and receives a light penance of twenty prayers, which she immediately and fervently fulfills in the school chapel, Father Murphy and Mrs. Veda’s words about sex echoing in her mind.
Alice and Laura both decide to attend the school’s next Kirkos spiritual retreat— Alice to return to the path of righteousness, and Laura to be accepted by Nina, a popular senior. When they arrive on the retreat campgrounds, Laura is excited to find that Nina is a retreat leader, while Alice eyes Chris, a hunky senior who is also a retreat leader. Chris is friendly and enthusiastic, and after Alice is assigned to his group, the two begin to bond. That night, while playing on her contraband cell phone, Alice accidentally discovers that she can pleasure herself using her phone’s vibrating feature; however, she stops soon after looking at the crucifix hanging in her room.
On the second day of the retreat, Alice fakes an injury on a hike to get closer to Chris. Nina confiscates Alice’s phone; and, as a punishment, Father Murphy assigns Alice to cleaning duties around the retreat house. Once she is alone, she logs onto an AOL chat room from Father Murphy’s office computer to ask what “tossing salad” means; before she can find out, the sound of footsteps causes her to hastily shut off the computer and leave. She runs into Nina, who lightheartedly guilts Alice about Alice’s presumed sexual encounter with Wade, another instance of Alice’s inability to be free of the rumor even while “on Jesus’s time.”
On the third day of the retreat, Father Murphy announces his discovery of an explicit chat on his computer; of course, no one claims responsibility. He later pushes Alice to confess to acting on her sexual temptations with Wade and doesn’t believe her insistence that nothing happened. Alice confronts Wade about his complicity in the rumors leading to the incident, and he leaves without admitting his fault or apologizing. Again, on cleaning duty, Alice witnesses Nina kissing, then fellating, another senior leader in the woods; Alice shares this with Laura, who refuses to believe Alice, accuses Alice of breaking into Father Murphy’s office, and ends their friendship, calling Alice a “pervy psycho.” Alice returns to Father Murphy’s office and frames Wade for the earlier break-in; while hiding to make her escape, she catches Father Murphy masturbating to a pornographic video saved on his computer. Outside, finding herself alone with Chris, Alice kisses him, but he becomes overwhelmed and runs away. That night, Alice flees the campgrounds and stumbles upon a lesbian bar, where she and the owner, Gina, commiserate about how the fear of damnation can warp an adolescent’s development. Gina counsels Alice and gives her a ride back to the retreat, encouraging Alice to look into colleges on the West and East Coasts and finally assuaging Alice’s curiosity about what “tossing salad” means.
On the last day of the retreat, Alice befriends a socially awkward classmate while Father Murphy pulls Wade aside. With Wade on the hook for the explicit chat incident, Laura makes peace with Alice. At a whole group sharing session, Alice reminds the retreat attendees that everyone is “hiding stuff” and implores them to treat each other with honesty and respect, as Jesus wanted.
Back at school, Alice reassures a still-uncomfortable Chris that they can just be friends. Returning to reconciliation with Father Murphy, Alice boldly reveals that while on the retreat she saw a video of people having sex—both of them knowing, but not discussing, the implications of her confession. Father Murphy assigns a heavier penance of one hundred prayers, but instead of remaining in the chapel, Alice goes home to rewatch and masturbate to the sex scene in Titanic.
Yes, God, Yes Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Morality class sets tone” to “Return to school and heavier penance”. 14 events name a place, across 14 locations.
- 1
Morality class sets tone
In fall 2000, Father Murphy teaches that sex outside procreation within marriage is a sin, with eternal damnation as punishment. Alice feels the clash between rigid rules and her growing curiosity. The lesson plants the seeds of guilt that will haunt her.
When:Fall 2000, early term Where:Midwestern Catholic high school – Morality classroom
- 2
Rumor about Alice
The following Monday, the school buzzes with a rumor that Alice engaged in a sexual act at a party. Alice denies knowing the meaning of the phrase, but the rumor sticks and colors how classmates view her. The gossip marks a turning point in how her peers scrutinize her.
When:Monday after party Where:School corridors
- 3
Consequences at Mass
The rumor reaches Mrs. Veda, who prevents Alice from serving at Mass, signaling how gossip translates into punishment. Alice feels shamed and policed by adults who control public acts of faith. The episode heightens her sense of isolation within the school community.
When:Monday Where:Church / Mass location
- 4
Reconciliation and penance
During the sacrament of reconciliation, Alice confesses venial sins and receives twenty prayers as penance. She dutifully completes the prayers in the school chapel, the issue of sexuality echoing in her conscience. The moment ties her private guilt to formal religious ritual.
When:Monday afternoon Where:School chapel / reconciliation room
- 5
Decision to attend Kirkos retreat
Alice and Laura decide to attend the upcoming Kirkos spiritual retreat, hoping to reorient themselves within their faith. The retreat promises distance from rumors and a chance to examine their beliefs more candidly. The decision signals a break from daily school life to test limits.
When:Before retreat begins Where:School and Kirkos retreat
- 6
Retreat begins; bonds form
On the first day at the Kirkos retreat, Nina is introduced as a retreat leader and Chris becomes a friendly, enthusiastic presence. Alice is assigned to Chris's group, and the two begin to form a bond that feels charged within the retreat's restrictive atmosphere. The setting heightens the tension between rules and desire.
When:Day 1 of retreat Where:Kirkos retreat campgrounds
- 7
Night of curiosity
That night, Alice experiences a moment of sexual curiosity while alone in her room, which she instinctively suppresses after thinking about the crucifix. The scene marks a pivotal moment of inner conflict between curiosity and religious propriety. The crucifix imagery deepens her internal struggle.
When:Night 1 of retreat Where:Retreat lodging
- 8
Day 2: deception and chores
On the second day, Alice fakes an injury to get closer to Chris and is assigned to cleaning duties. Nina confiscates her phone, and Father Murphy’s office becomes a place for her to search online terms she doesn’t understand; she is interrupted by footsteps. The day intensifies her sense of being watched and judged.
When:Day 2 Where:Kirkos retreat grounds and office
- 9
Confrontations over rumors
The looming Wade rumor continues to press on Alice, prompting a tense confrontation where he avoids accountability. The rumor compounds the strain between Alice, Wade, and Laura, who remains skeptical of Alice’s claims. The social web of secrecy tightens around them.
When:Day 2 Where:Retreat site
- 10
Day 3: revelations and tensions
On the third day, Father Murphy discovers an explicit online chat on his computer and presses Alice to confess. She insists that nothing happened, while the atmosphere grows louder with accusations and distrust. The revelations push Alice toward drastic actions as she seeks to protect herself.
When:Day 3 Where:Retreat, Father Murphy's office
Show the other 4 events of Yes, God, Yes Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Break-in accusation and hidden truth
In a tense sequence, Alice suspects Wade's involvement in a break-in and frames him accordingly, while she also uncovers a troubling secret about Father Murphy. The double-edged discoveries challenge her loyalties and complicate her moral compass. She also shares a moment with Chris, who pulls away afterward.
When:Day 3 Where:Retreat grounds; Father Murphy's office
- 12
Escape to a supportive bar
Escaping the camp, Alice finds a lesbian bar where the owner Gina offers understanding and practical advice. The encounter provides a counterpoint to the retreat’s fear-based logic and helps Alice glimpse possibilities beyond the church’s strict code. Gina encourages Alice to consider colleges on the West and East Coasts.
When:Night of Day 3 Where:Lesbian bar
- 13
Last day at Kirkos retreat
On the retreat’s last day, Alice befriends a socially awkward classmate and Wade faces the consequences of the explicit chat incident. Laura reconciles with Alice, and in a group sharing session, Alice reminds everyone that people hide things, urging honesty and respect as Jesus wanted. The moment crystallizes her shift toward openness.
When:Last day Where:Kirkos retreat grounds
- 14
Return to school and heavier penance
Back at school, Alice reaffirms the possibility of friendship with Chris, and returns to reconciliation with Father Murphy. He assigns a heavier penance of one hundred prayers for the retreat confession, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between guilt and tolerance. The day ends with Alice deciding to confront her own sexuality more openly rather than suppress it.
When:After retreat Where:School; Chapel
Who Are the Main Characters in Yes, God, Yes?
9 characters, among them Alice (Natalia Dyer), Father Murphy and Chris (senior) (Joe Reece): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Alice (Natalia Dyer)
Played by Natalia Dyer
A sexually inexperienced junior at a strict Midwestern Catholic high school who grapples with burgeoning desires and the fear of damnation. Her curiosity clashes with Father Murphy’s punitive morality, driving a decisive journey toward self-discovery. She is introspective, resilient, and determined to pursue honesty in her feelings, even when it risks social and spiritual consequences. Throughout the retreat and school life, she questions authority and seeks authentic connection.
- 🎯 Determined
- 🕊️ Curious
- 🪞 Self-reflective
- FM
Father Murphy
Played by John Doherty
A stern Morality instructor who wields religious authority to police sexuality, often pressuring students to confess and perform penance. He enforces rules with a controlling hand, yet his private behavior undermines the very teachings he imposes. The discovery of his masturbation to a pornographic video in his office reveals a stark hypocrisy central to the conflict. His actions catalyze Alice’s crisis and erode trust in spiritual guidance.
- 🗝️ Authoritarian
- 🕯️ Hypocrisy
- 🤐 Secrecy
- C(
Chris (senior) (Joe Reece)
Played by Joe Reece
A friendly, enthusiastic senior who leads a group at the Kirkos retreat and becomes a focal point for Alice’s curiosity. He offers warmth and a sense of normalcy, yet his boundaries and reactions reveal adolescent fragility in the face of desire. His dynamic with Alice highlights the tension between attraction and restraint within a high-pressure setting.
- 🎯 Attractive
- 🤝 Supportive
- 🔒 Boundaries
- L
Laura
Alice’s best friend, whose loyalty and perceptions shift under the strain of rumors and social judgment. She oscillates between support and skepticism, ultimately navigating the fallout of gossip and miscommunication. Laura's choices illustrate how friendship can both anchor and fracture under pressure.
- 👯 Friendship
- 🗯️ Gossip
- 💔 Loyalty
- W
Wade
A classmate implicated in the explicit chat rumor; his refusal to deny or apologize fuels the spread of gossip and complicates accountability. His actions—or lack thereof—expose the fragility of truth when rumor becomes weaponized. Wade’s role probes the cost of silence in a rumor-driven culture.
- 🗣️ Rumor
- 🧭 Accountability
- 🤝 Consequences
- N
Nina
A popular senior who appears as a retreat leader, shaping group dynamics and influencing who is seen as acceptable or desirable. Her presence underscores the social hierarchies that students navigate and the pressure to conform to image. Nina embodies the campus’s social power and its potential to both include and exclude.
- 👑 Popularity
- 🗺️ Dynamics
- 🏷️ Labeling
- G
Gina
Owner of a lesbian bar who offers Alice a space away from the school’s moral scrutiny and provides a compassionate perspective on sexual identity and self-acceptance. Gina’s guidance contrasts with campus condemnation, illustrating alternate routes to growth outside religious settings. She acts as a mentor-like figure for Alice’s exploration of who she is.
- 🌈 Identity
- 🗺️ Escape
- 💬 Conversation
- H
Heather
Played by Merissa Czyz
A fellow student who represents the peers who observe, participate, or are affected by the campus’s evolving conversations about sex and faith. Her presence adds texture to the school’s social fabric and the way young people process rumor, guilt, and belonging.
- 👧 Student
- 👭 Friend
- 💡 Observant
- SL
Sister Louise
Played by Wendy Susan Hammer
A nun who embodies the religious authority surrounding the students, contributing to the atmosphere of discipline and spiritual guidance within the retreat and school setting.
- 🕊️ Nun
- 🗣️ Authority
- 🧭 Guidance
Where and When Is Yes, God, Yes Set?
Yes, God, Yes is set in Midwestern Catholic high school, Kirkos retreat campgrounds and lesbian bar (Fall 2000). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Fall 2000
Set at the turn of the millennium, the narrative sits at a moment when dial-up internet, AOL chat rooms, and early mobile phones begin influencing private lives. The Catholic school environment enforces traditional norms while digital culture exposes and accelerates rumors and private curiosities. This period frames a coming-of-age story where modern connectivity clashes with conservative beliefs.
Where
Midwestern Catholic high school, Kirkos retreat campgrounds, lesbian bar
The story mostly unfolds on a strict Midwestern Catholic high school campus, a place where conformity and ritual shape daily life. It also moves to the Kirkos spiritual retreat grounds, a pressure cooker for confession, camaraderie, and temptation. A late-night visit to a lesbian bar offers a stark contrast to campus life, presenting a space where desire and identity can be explored more openly.
- ❄️ Midwest
- ⛪ Catholic School
- 🏕 Retreat Grounds
- 🍸 Bar Scene
What Are the Themes of Yes, God, Yes?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Religion & Desire, Authority & Hypocrisy and Coming of Age.
-
01
Religion & Desire
Alice's awakening collides with the catechism she's taught, forcing a clash between faith and personal longing. The Morality class and confession rituals apply pressure, turning curiosity into guilt. The retreat amplifies this tension, showing how sacred language can suppress or distort genuine feelings. Ultimately, the story probes whether personal authenticity can coexist with religious upbringing.
-
02
Authority & Hypocrisy
Father Murphy wields moral authority while his private behavior undermines the teachings he promotes. The school’s leadership often enforces rules while failing to address real misconduct around him, revealing a gap between doctrine and practice. This dynamic exposes how power structures police sexuality and reputation. The tension invites scrutiny of trust in mentors and institutions.
-
03
Coming of Age
Alice’s journey is a process of growing independence, testing boundaries, and redefining her values. Interactions with Chris, Laura, and Wade push her toward a more nuanced understanding of desire and responsibility. The retreat acts as a crucible where naive notions give way to complex, and sometimes uncomfortable, truths. Growth is portrayed as messy but essential to self-acceptance.
-
04
Rumors & Reputation
Whispers about 'tossing salad' ripple through the campus, shaping how characters present themselves. The rumor mill pressures individuals to masquerade or retaliate, affecting friendships and credibility. Social dynamics during the retreat amplify judgment and conformity, illustrating how quickly reputation can be manufactured or destroyed. The narrative demonstrates the harm caused by gossip and the power of truth-telling.
What Kind of Film Is Yes, God, Yes?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An awkward and anxious coming-of-age story that follows a teenage girl's journey through Catholic guilt and sexual self-discovery, culminating in a quietly rebellious and cathartic sense of liberation.
- awkward
- anxious
- cathartic
- nostalgic
- conflicted
- rebellious
- coming of age
- sexual awakening
- catholic guilt
- hypocrisy
Content notes: sexual content, mild thematic elements.
Quiz
How well do you remember Yes, God, Yes? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Yes, God, Yes
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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Kanopy 
The Roku Channel 
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