Struck by Lightning Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disgruntled teen blackmails classmates for a literary magazine and then gets zapped, proving that karma’s a real shocking force!

🍿 Struck by Lightning: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: A Fatal Beginning

The film opens with Carson Phillips, a sharp-witted high school senior, being struck by lightning and dying. The narrative then rewinds to chronicle the events leading up to his untimely demise. This unusual beginning sets the tone for a story about ambition, small-town limitations, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Carson’s Ambitious Goals

Carson dreams of escaping his small, intellectually stifling hometown and attending Northwestern University to become a renowned journalist. Faced with limited opportunities and apathetic peers, he decides to launch a literary magazine to bolster his college application. His determination is fueled by a desire to break free from the perceived mediocrity surrounding him.

Blackmail and Literary Contributions

To populate his literary magazine, Carson resorts to blackmailing his classmates, uncovering their secrets and using them as leverage to force contributions. This leads to a series of comedic and dramatic interactions, revealing the hidden complexities within the seemingly superficial high school environment. He forms an unlikely alliance with Malerie, a quirky and loyal friend who supports his endeavors.

Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles

The film delves into Carson’s troubled family life, featuring a neglectful, alcoholic mother and a distant, remarried father. These strained relationships contribute to his cynical outlook and further fuel his desire for escape. His interactions with his senile grandmother provide moments of tenderness amidst the chaos.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carson Phillips (Chris Colfer): A driven high school student who blackmails his classmates to create a literary magazine to escape his small town.
• Malerie Baggs (Rebel Wilson): Carson’s quirky and supportive best friend who provides comedic relief and genuine friendship.
• Sheryl Phillips (Allison Janney): Carson’s alcoholic and emotionally distant mother who struggles with her own failures.
• Neal Phillips (Dermot Mulroney): Carson’s estranged father, remarried and expecting a child, causing further emotional strain on Carson.
• April (Christina Hendricks): Neal’s pregnant fiancée and a local pharmacist who unexpectedly becomes intertwined with Carson’s family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carson Phillips: “Because a life without meaning, without drive, without focus, without goals or dreams isn’t a life worth living. Life comes at you fast. It runs through your body and tries to escape and be expressed in any way possible. In a way, it’s a lot like… lightning.” – Carson reflects on the essence of life and ambition during a voiceover, linking it to the film’s central metaphor.
• Carson Phillips: “The thing I regret the most is waiting for life to begin.” – Carson says this realizing he spent his life chasing dreams instead of living in the moment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $800,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $28,378
• Worldwide Gross: $28,378

💥 Struck by Lightning Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of Chris Colfer, I went into this movie with high expectations, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised with how much raw emotion and dark humor was displayed. The film left me with a lasting impression, especially during the touching scenes between Carson and his grandmother. It felt very personal and I definitely recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chris Colfer”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark comedies and coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those interested in stories about ambition and overcoming obstacles”
  • “Individuals who appreciate independent films with unique perspectives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Mature themes (alcoholism, divorce)”
  • “Blackmail”
  • “Sudden death”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “”Struck by Lightning” offers a darkly comedic take on high school ambition, showcasing Chris Colfer’s writing talent. While the tone can be uneven, the strong performances, particularly from Allison Janney and Rebel Wilson, make it a worthwhile watch. It explores themes of frustration and the desire to escape small-town life with a refreshing honesty.
• Variety: “Chris Colfer’s writing debut has flashes of brilliance, but ultimately struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The supporting cast shines, elevating the material, however it fails to explore the depth of character relations.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film is ambitious, it suffers from uneven pacing and occasionally heavy-handed dialogue. It does present a unique and relatable story. Colfer’s strong performance brings depth to an otherwise flawed film. His journey is very emotional and relatable.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved Rebel Wilson’s comedic improv and one-liners.: Most people enjoyed Chris Colfer’s diverse acting and emotional performance, especially his relationship with his mother in the movie.

Some viewers were very surprised by how much raw emotion and dark humor was displayed.: Those who have seen this film find it refreshing.

Overall Consensus: “Struck by Lightning” is a divisive film. Many appreciate its dark humor and relatable themes of high school frustration, whereas, many criticize its inconsistent tone and unlikeable main character.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chris Colfer wrote the screenplay when he was around 18 years old, drawing from his own experiences and observations growing up.”
• “Rebel Wilson was cast in the role of Malerie Baggs just one day before filming commenced.”
• “Many of Rebel Wilson’s one-liners were improvised; she was given freedom to ad-lib during filming.”
• “The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California, and Mexico.”

🖥️ How to Watch Struck by Lightning?

Currently, “Struck by Lightning” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as options may vary by region. Availability on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu is subject to change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Struck by Lightning, you might like these similar films:

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Deals with similar themes of high school angst, feeling like an outsider, and the search for belonging.
• Juno (2007): Features a witty and intelligent protagonist dealing with unconventional circumstances and societal expectations.
• Rushmore (1998): Both movies feature quirky, ambitious, and socially awkward main characters trying to leave their mark on the world.

🛒 Struck by Lightning Related Products

• Struck by Lightning [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews. This edition is a must-have for fans of the film, offering a high-quality viewing experience and a deeper look into the making of the movie.
• Struck by Lightning Movie Poster: This high-quality movie poster captures the iconic imagery of “Struck by Lightning.” Printed on premium paper, it’s a great addition to any fan’s collection, perfect for decorating a home theater, bedroom, or office.
• Lightning Bolt Necklace: Show your appreciation for this movie with a subtle lightning bolt necklace. A fun way to reference the movie while having a fashionable accessory.
• Glee: The Complete Series: For fans of Chris Colfer, check out “Glee: The Complete Series”. Rewatch Chris Colfer’s amazing preformances as Kurt Hummel.

🎧 Soundtrack

Struck by Lightning features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” – performed by The Byram Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

White babies born with lightning#shorts

Ever wondered what a lightning strike birth would lead to? This short recap of ‘Powder’ gives you the gist in under a minute. It’s a wild origin story, and this video hits the key points!

✨ Rate