Yes, God, Yes 2019

Fall 2000 — Alice's conflict between faith and desire

In Fall 2000, Alice is a sexually curious junior at a strict Midwestern Catholic high school. Father Murphy teaches that sex is only for procreation within marriage, which seeds a sense of sin and shame about her growing feelings. She begins to struggle to reconcile her desires with the rules she has learned.

Rumor about Alice spreads

That Monday a rumor accuses Alice of a sexual act she did not commit. She denies the claim and admits she does not know what the phrase implies. The rumor reaches Mrs. Veda, who forbids her from serving at Mass and marks her with social suspicion.

Confession and light penance

Later that day Alice confesses venial sins during reconciliation and receives a light penance of twenty prayers. She dutifully fulfills the prayers in the school chapel, trying to quiet the moral noise in her head. The exchange deepens her sense of guilt and internal conflict.

Decision to attend a Kirkos retreat

Alice and Laura decide to attend the next Kirkos spiritual retreat. Alice hopes to return to a righteous path, while Laura seeks acceptance from Nina, a popular senior. The decision marks a shift toward seeking guidance outside the classroom.

Retreat begins and Chris appears

At the retreat campgrounds Nina is a retreat leader and Alice is assigned to Chris's group. The two begin to bond as they participate in group activities, setting up a tension between desire and the retreat’s moral framework. Laura watches from the sidelines as the dynamics unfold.

First night of retreat and awakening feelings

That night Alice becomes aware of her evolving feelings and the complexity of desire. The experience unsettles her, because it conflicts with the moral rules she has been taught. She wrestles with how to process these new sensations.

Second day ruse and forbidden questions

On the second day Alice fakes an injury to get closer to Chris and to test boundaries. Nina confiscates her phone, and Father Murphy assigns cleaning duties as a punishment. In the retreat office she tries to learn what a provocative phrase means, but is interrupted by footsteps.

Third day pressure to confess and Wade's role

On the third day Father Murphy discovers a message on a computer and presses Alice to confess her involvement in the rumors about Wade. Wade refuses to acknowledge his role, feeding the growing tension among the students. The retreat atmosphere grows tense as trust frays further.

Nina and Laura clash; friendship strained

Alice witnesses Nina in intimate interactions with another senior and shares what she sees with Laura. Laura accuses Alice of breaking into Father Murphy's office, and their friendship collapses as trust erodes between them. The retreat becomes a crucible for their loyalties.

Discovery of troubling behavior and distrust

Alice encounters troubling events involving a leader at the retreat and grows distrust toward the adults enforcing the rules. The experience intensifies her sense that authority figures are fallible and that secrets are widespread. She feels increasingly isolated within the retreat environment.

A moment of closeness and leaving the retreat

In a moment of impulse, Alice shares a moment of closeness with Chris and feels the weight of what she wants versus what is allowed. The tension and confusion drive her to leave the retreat grounds that night. She seeks space to think about what comes next.

Crisis and counsel at a bar

Seeking guidance, Alice ends up at a bar where the owner offers support and practical advice. The encounter helps her see a possible future beyond the retreat's strict moral code and encourages exploration of college options on the West and East Coasts. The encounter emphasizes the importance of curiosity and self-respect.

Last day: accountability and reconciliation

On the retreat's last day Wade faces consequences for the rumors and the group shares session moves toward honesty. Laura makes peace with Alice, and they acknowledge that everyone hides parts of themselves. The group recognizes the value of open, respectful communication.

Return to school and heavier penance

Back at school, Alice and Chris agree to remain friends and return to reconciliation with Father Murphy. She reveals that she learned about the sexual dynamics during the retreat, and Father Murphy imposes a heavier penance of 100 prayers. She chooses to walk away from the chapel and focus on her future.