The New Guy

Dizzy Harrison, a self-proclaimed nerd and high school senior, finds himself at a crossroads. His academic successes seem to have yielded him a college acceptance, but Dizzy yearns for one final act of rebellion before trading in his high school days for the rigors of university life. Dizzy's idea of a grand rebellion is not exactly what one would call revolutionary: he fakes a fight at his previous school and gets himself expelled in order to leave a lasting impression on his peers and prove to himself that he has what it takes to be part of the "in-crowd." However, faking an expulsion is not as easy as it sounds, especially when your family has close ties with the school principal. Faced with the reality of not having any prospects and being forced to attend his old school as an outsider, Dizzy resorts to drastic measures. He pays for a crash course in "cool" from a local convict, Gil, who's more than willing to teach the art of being a true "badass." Gil, a man who's seen the inside of multiple prisons, is the embodiment of raw, unbridled energy. He's been around the block a few times and has no qualms about sharing the hard-earned lessons he's learned from the streets. Dizzy's transformation from book-smart to tough-guy-in-training is nothing short of remarkable. Under Gil's guidance, Dizzy transforms his personality, his mannerisms, and even his wardrobe. Determined to put his new persona to the test, Dizzy enrolls at the prestigious Cromwell Prep, a high school known for its strict rules and strictest students. With his newfound confidence and skills, Dizzy becomes "Clay," a cool, edgy, and charming individual who quickly gains the attention of his peers. Clay's newfound popularity is matched only by his newfound obsession with trying to keep up the ruse of being a "bad guy." At Cromwell, Dizzy meets a cast of colorful characters that seem to embody everything he thought he'd never be a part of: the tough jocks, the popular cheerleaders, and the eccentric school outcasts. Among the students he meets are Nora, a beautiful and charming student who becomes his love interest, and the lovable but slightly unhinged classmate, Dustin, who becomes his confidant. As Clay navigates the complex social hierarchy of Cromwell Prep, he must also contend with a series of mishaps and close calls that threaten to expose his true identity. Whether it's accidentally getting caught up in a gang fight or having to pretend to be proficient in a new and obscure sport, Clay's transformation into a "bad guy" is a delicate balancing act that requires precision and a good helping of wit. However, not everyone is fooled by Clay's newfound cool. The school's vice principal, Mr. Holland, takes an instant dislike to Dizzy, sensing that something is not quite right about him. Dizzy must tread carefully to avoid raising suspicion while simultaneously trying to keep up the illusion of being a "bad boy" in the eyes of his peers. Despite the many close calls and misadventures, Dizzy finds himself slowly becoming more entrenched in his new persona. He starts to see himself as Clay, a transformation that leaves him questioning his own identity and sense of self. However, the lines between reality and performance begin to blur when Dizzy is faced with a life-changing decision. Will Dizzy be able to maintain the illusion of being "Clay" long enough to finish high school, or will the pressures of living a lie ultimately expose his true identity? And more importantly, will Clay's new persona become a permanent fixture, or will Dizzy revert back to being the old, awkward "Dizzy" he once knew?