Cameron “Cam” Dumonte, a directionless 18-year-old, finds purpose in building a future with her high school sweetheart, Noel Santos, an ambitious people-pleaser with immense musical talent and demanding parents. Cam and Noel are connected most through music, whether it be yelling karaoke songs or playing together in their high school’s band. Cam is set on them going to college together and enrolling in the same music program. But Noel’s parents have different plans. Noel struggles to balance dual credit nursing classes with concert rehearsals, all with the added layer that her parents don’t know that she’s still in band.

 

Cam decides to secretly invite Noel’s parents to the senior concert. Cam’s attempt at a sweet surprise turns sour when Noel reacts with a panic attack. Backstage at the concert, Cam and Noel butt heads. Cam’s dream of going to the same college together shatters as Noel reveals her true feelings about the future. On stage, Noel’s solo is quickly approaching. College recruiters sit in the audience but so do her parents. Noel begs Cam to play the solo but she refuses, scared of leaving her codependent comfort zone. Who will choose to face their fears?

 

A mystery figure takes the stage. They nervously begin the solo and the sentimental song journeys through moments of Cam and Noel’s relationship. The joy and pain hold equal space. Laughing at nothing and listening to music together. Cancelling dates and hiding from Noel’s parents. The last moment lands in Noel’s family restaurant as Noel tells Cam about her parents’ immigration story. They watch as Noel’s dad touches up the restaurant mural. “I didn’t know your dad painted so well.” Cam notes. “Neither did I.” Noel realizes in that moment that her parents have given up passions of their own, passions Noel didn’t even know about, to give their kids the life they have today. With that feeling lingering, the song finishes. On stage, the mystery figure finishes the solo. With one small movement their identity is revealed: It’s Cam.

 

Caps trickle down from the sky on graduation night. Cam skips the iconic hat toss to sprint over to Noel. The caps hit the ground around them as they embrace. They share a small moment of glassy eyes and uncertain smiles. Their caps are decorated for different colleges. With a heavy breath, Cam turns away and takes the first step towards a future that’s fully her own.