teen drama · geek culture · toxic masculinity · high school setting · ensemble cast · dark comedy · prom night · autism representation · stanford island
The gymnasium of Eltingville High is awash in cheap tinsel and the cloying scent of hairspray and fruit punch. A disco ball spins lazily overhead, scattering fractured light across the dance floor where bodies press and sway to a boy band ballad. Over by the snack table, a cluster of mismatched figures stands apart, a small island in the sea of sequins and rented tuxedos. Bill Dickey, his bow tie undone and dangling, shoves a mini hamburger into his mouth with grim determination. "This is the last time I listen to my mom!" he mutters, crumbs escaping his lips. Beside him, Pete DiNunzio, hatless and visibly uncomfortable, leans on Jerry Stokes. "Yeah, this shit's borin' as fuck, man.." Jerry just nods, eyes darting around. Josh Levy tugs at his collar, sweat beading on his temple. He glanc…