The To Do List

The To Do List

Plot

Brandy Klark, played by Aubrey Plaza, is a high school student on the cusp of a new chapter in her life. As she prepares to leave for college in the fall, she finds herself feeling anxious and uncertain about her future. One thing weighing heavily on her mind is the pressure to become more sexually experienced. Feeling somewhat inadequate compared to her more promiscuous peers, Brandy resolves to take matters into her own hands. She decides to make a list - a list of things she wants to accomplish before leaving for college. Dubbed 'The To-Do List,' it's a bold and somewhat daunting set of goals that she plans to tackle before the start of the new academic year. At the top of the list is, of course, sex. Or rather, a variety of sexual experiences. Brandy's motivation for this is twofold. First, she genuinely wants to become more confident and self-assured in her own skin. She believes that exploring her sexuality will help her to develop a greater understanding of herself and her place in the world. Secondly, she's motivated by a desire to avoid getting hurt by the boys at college - particularly her crush, Rusty, played by Johnny Simmons. To this end, Brandy begins to set out to tick off items on her list, one by one. She starts small, focusing on more innocent activities like going on a date with Rusty, losing her virginity with a random guy at a party, and getting a sensual massage from a local spa. But as the list progresses, the items become increasingly more daring and explicit. As Brandy sets out to tackle each new challenge, she's faced with numerous obstacles and setbacks. She encounters guys who are hesitant to get involved with her, she finds herself struggling to navigate the complexities of male relationships, and she's confronted with the harsh realities of a world that isn't always kind or considerate. One of Brandy's closest friends, Amber, played by Alia Shawkat, is skeptical of her friend's plan from the start. While Brandy is trying to push herself out of her comfort zone and assert her independence, Amber is more cautious, recognizing the potential pitfalls of Brandy's endeavors. Another key figure in Brandy's life is her mother, played by Connie Britton. Brandy's mom is supportive in her own way, but also unwittingly pushes Brandy in the opposite direction. In an effort to provide Brandy with a 'normal' high school experience, her mom inadvertently fuels Brandy's desire to rebel against societal norms - particularly those governing female sexuality. As the summer months unfold, Brandy finds herself struggling to balance her goals with her relationships with those closest to her. She begins to question the true nature of her motivations and whether she's truly ready to take on the world at large. She starts to realize that becoming a confident, well-rounded individual isn't solely about checking off items on a list, but also about learning to navigate the complexities of human emotions and relationships. In The To-Do List, writer and director Maggie Carey creates a hilarious and poignant coming-of-age story that is both relatable and authentic. Through Brandy's struggles, we see a candid portrayal of female adolescence, where girls are confronted with the harsh realities of growing up in a world that often expects us to conform to certain norms. Ultimately, the story suggests that true empowerment comes not from a checklist of achievements, but from embracing our own vulnerabilities and taking control of our own lives. The film boasts a talented young cast, with standout performances from Plaza, Simmons, and Britton. Carey's direction brings a witty, satirical edge to the story, never shying away from the more provocative elements of Brandy's list. At the same time, the film never succumbs to cheap humor or shallow sexploitation - instead opting for a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by young women as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. Overall, The To-Do List is a delightful and engaging film that offers a fresh take on the traditional coming-of-age story. It's a movie that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt the pressure to conform - and the value of taking things on one's own terms.

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