🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Fernanda Cardoso
- Genre: Drama, Romance, LGBT
- Release year: 2010
- Runtime (length): 1h 23min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (6.4K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Ex-child star goes to college, pulls a power move on her professor, and then ditches her to go back to space… or something.
🍿 Bloomington: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Child Star Goes to College
Jackie, a former child star seeking a normal life, enrolls in college to escape Hollywood. She hopes to find independence and a fresh start away from the spotlight. This sets the stage for her to meet new people and explore a different path.

The Professor and the Student
Jackie soon encounters Catherine, a psychology professor known for her relationships with students. The two are immediately drawn to each other, beginning a secret affair. This unconventional relationship quickly becomes a central focus of the film.

Balancing Love and Fame
As Jackie and Catherine’s relationship deepens, Jackie is offered a chance to reprise her role in a movie. This opportunity creates conflict, forcing Jackie to decide between her newfound love and her former life in the entertainment industry. Catherine struggles with the potential exposure and the implications for her career.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jackie Kirk (Sarah Stouffer): A former child actress seeking independence at college who becomes involved with her psychology professor.
- Catherine Stark (Allison McAtee): A notorious psychology professor with a history of student affairs who falls for Jackie.
- Lillian (Katherine Ann McGregor): Jackie’s supportive and understanding aunt, offering her a place to stay during college.
- Zach (Ray Zupp): A college student and friend of Jackie, navigating the social scene alongside her.
- Sandy (Erika Heidewald): Catherine’s friend and colleague who provides a contrasting perspective on her actions.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Catherine: “It’s like if you… if you deny yourself something long enough… for whatever self-imposed reason, you know, the moment you are faced with any real external imposition you’re going to voluntarily want to do the thing that you were trying so hard not to do.” – Catherine explains to Jackie the psychology behind wanting something more when it’s forbidden.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Bloomington Reviews
Personal Review
I stumbled upon Bloomington, and I was pleasantly surprised. The film’s heart really got to me. Seeing Jackie navigate her feelings for Catherine, while also dealing with her past as a child star, felt so real. Their goodbye scene hit hard – you could feel the pain and the underlying affection. It made me think about how timing and circumstances can impact relationships. I recommend this movie for an introspective night.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent films”
- “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ romance dramas”
- “Those who enjoy coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suggestive content and implied sexual situations”
- “Thematic elements involving student-teacher relationships”
- “Mature themes, including discussions of sexuality and identity”
Professional Reviews
- IndieFilmReview.com: “Bloomington offers a tender, if somewhat predictable, look at a taboo relationship. The performances are solid, particularly Allison McAtee as the professor, but the film struggles to overcome its limited budget and occasionally stilted dialogue. While it explores themes of identity and acceptance, the resolution feels rushed.
- QueerCinemaNow: “Bloomington navigates the complexities of same-sex relationships with a surprising amount of nuance. While some critics might find the plot familiar, the film’s honest portrayal of the characters’ emotional journeys elevates it. The film challenges societal norms while offering a heartfelt exploration of love and self-discovery.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between the actresses was really something special.: Viewers generally praised the performances of Allison McAtee and Sarah Stouffer, citing their chemistry as a highlight of the film.
The ending left me wanting more; I wanted them to stay together!: Many audience members expressed disappointment with the ending, wishing for a more definitive resolution to the central relationship.
Overall Consensus: Bloomington is a well-acted but predictable drama that explores the complexities of a student-teacher relationship. While some viewers found the ending unsatisfying, most appreciated the performances and the film’s attempt to portray a realistic depiction of same-sex relationships.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Sarah Stouffer, who played Jackie, had to stand on an apple box in close-up scenes with Allison McAtee due to their height difference.”
- “Filming took place in Carmel, Indiana.”
🖥️ How to Watch Bloomington?
Currently, ‘Bloomington’ (2010) is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local streaming service for current offers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Bloomington, you might like these similar films:
- Loving Annabelle (2006): Explores a similar forbidden relationship between a student and a teacher, focusing on the emotional complexities and social consequences.
- Imagine Me & You (2005): Features a lesbian love story that blossoms unexpectedly, focusing on the characters’ internal struggles and the impact on their lives.
🛒 Bloomington Related Products
- Bloomington (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the film’s poignant moments with this collection of indie tracks and emotional scores. Featuring songs from emerging artists, this soundtrack captures the movie’s intimate and reflective mood.
- College Life: The Complete Guide for Students: A comprehensive guide to navigating college life, covering everything from academics to social life. Packed with advice and tips for success. Get the most out of College and make new friends.
- Psychology 101: Understanding the Human Mind: Dive into the fascinating world of psychology with this introductory textbook. Explore key concepts, theories, and experiments that shed light on human behavior and the complexities of the mind.
- LGBTQ+ Cinema: A Cultural Exploration: Explore LGBTQ+ representation in cinema with this insightful book. Analyze themes, characters, and historical contexts that shape queer filmmaking and its impact on society.
🎧 Soundtrack
Bloomington features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – performed by Roberta Flack
- “Both Sides Now” – performed by Joni Mitchell
- “Little Plastic Castles” – performed by Ani DiFranco
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Bloomington’ was primarily filmed in Carmel, Indiana, USA. This location provided the setting for the college campus and surrounding areas.
While ‘Bloomington’ is not based on a specific true story, it explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal choices that resonate with real-life experiences. The film delves into the complexities of love and ambition, drawing inspiration from common challenges individuals face.
The main actors in ‘Bloomington’ are Allison McAtee, who plays Professor Catherine Stark, and Sarah Stouffer, who plays Jackie Kirk. Their performances drive the narrative of the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Bloomington bloopers
Ever wonder what it’s like on set when things go hilariously wrong? This blooper reel from Bloomington is pure gold – get ready to laugh along with the cast as they flub their lines and crack each other up. Trust me, it’s more fun than the actual movie!
Bloomington BTS part 7
Curious about what went on behind the cameras during the making of Bloomington? This BTS video is a must watch for the fans. It contains some interesting interviews that you’ve probably never seen before!
Drunk Lesbians Watch “Bloomington” (Feat. Mari Taren)
Want to see Bloomington from a completely different angle? These Drunk Queer Women offer a hilariously honest review of the movie. Grab some snacks and prepare for some unexpected insights – it’s definitely a wild ride.
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