Guy on the Fly
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Teen
Director: Marc Webb
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Maude Apatow, Dylan Sprayberry, Thomas Barbusca, Naomi Snieckus, Tiffany Haddish, Tyrell Jackson Williams, Jade Pettyjohn, Caleb McLaughlin, Sean Giambrone
Plot: Inside Torone High School, Adam (Dylan Sprayberry) walks down the hallways, keeping track of all the ongoings during the morning. One such thing he notes is the relationship between his cheerleader Clarissa (Maude Apatow) and star-student Johnny (Sean Giambrone). As the two caress one another, Adam smiles, thinking to himself that their bond is inseparable. Along the way to his class, he comes across Jayden (Thomas Barbusca), Willie (Tyrell Jackson Williams) and Devon (Caleb McLaughin), his friend group. The four immediately ramble about all the things they’re going to do once senior year ends before turning towards Adam and asking what he plans to do. Adam shrugs, saying that he’s going to take it one day at a time and hopefully, something will come up.
As Adam walks away, Clarissa and Johnny roll up, asking if Adam is doing alright. Willie playfully mocks what Adam said, only for Johnny to agree that sometimes, something will come up that changes everything. Clarissa and Johnny doubt it however, in belief that they’re relationship is strong as it can be.
Three years later:
Clarissa sits on her bed, staring at the phone with a look of concern when it rings. Her friend from the high-school cheerleading team Sophie (Jade Pettyjohn) is here to ask if she’s excited about her 21st birthday. Clarissa says she is, but with a lack of excitement. She tells Sophie that Johnny hasn’t called back in three days. Sophie is convinced that Johnny is planning something extra special.
The eve of Clarissa’s 21st birthday comes, taking place inside a local Applebees. Despite many of her friends, including Adam and Sophie, enjoying the party, Clarissa is distraught over Johnny’s absence. As the party ends, Willie and Devon attempt to convince Adam to talk to Clarissa. Adam refuses, reminding them Johnny is her boyfriend. All will be fine, right?
In her bedroom the following day, Clarissa panics over Johnny's disappearance, heightening when she fears Johnny might have dumped her without saying a word. Unsure of what to do, Clarissa ventures into the neighborhood before coming across the house of her former cheerleader coach and in a sense, her second mom, Ms. Harrow (Tiffany Haddish).
When Clarissa knocks the door and Harrow answers, Clarissa bursts into tears, revealing all of her insecurities. Harrow comforts Clarissa, assuring her that it may just be a communication mishap. It happens all the time and you shouldn’t let it define yourself or who you are. The two exchange a warm embrace as Clarissa dries her eyes.
Later that afternoon, Willie, Devon and Adam are sitting on a bench at a local park when they spot a saddened Clarissa. Willie goads Adam to talk to her, saying that this is his one chance. Adam again refuses, but upon seeing how depressed Clarissa is, relents. Despite the initial nerves, Adam expresses sympathy over what’s going on with Johnny. Clarissa understands, but wishes she knew what was going on. If Johnny had an issue, he could have told her.
Willie, wanting to play instigator, suggests to Adam and Clarissa that they get back at Johnny for this slight by having Adam temporarily date Clarissa. Both are opposed to the idea. Devon steps in, claiming that this could help them get closer together and find Clarissa some comfort in lieu of Johnny’s absence. Despite their hesitancy, Adam and Clarissa agree to give it a shot.
Unsure of what to do next, Adam and Clarissa agree to meet at a local restaurant tomorrow for lunch. The next day, Adam arrives at his destination dressed to the nines, even though Clarissa has plain clothing. The two hold hands, both blushing profusely as they take their seat. Sitting at the table nearby is Jayden and his group of friends. Upon spotting Adam and Clarissa, he becomes incredibly confused.
Upon returning home, Jayden makes his bemusement known to his mother, Delilah (Naomi Sneckus), who tells him that he may have been seeing things. Despite Jayden’s protests, Delilah assures him that all is well with Clarissa and to not pry any further on this matter.
During one night out with his friends, however, Jayden again spots Adam and Clarissa together. It’s an incredibly awkward exchange that ends with Jayden running on. Embarrassed, Clarissa is about to leave when Adam finds her a Pac-Man arcade game nearby. As Clarissa goes to play, Adam gets a text from Johnny. Despite his shock, Adam tells Johnny that all is good, but nothing more is said.
Over the next few days, Adam and Clarissa slowly grow more comfortable with one another, engaging in different types of dates. Without them noticing, however, Jayden has been keeping a close eye, following their every move and taking notes. On one such date, Clarissa has a near mental breakdown after spilling a drink onto Adam, bolting out of the restaurant in the process. Adam finds her, assuring her that it’s alright. Clarissa refuses, claiming that it has to be perfect. Adam says that it’s fine, he can get his suit dry-cleaned, hugging and calming Clarissa.
Jayden observes it from the windows, fully convinced that Clarissa is cheating on Johnny with Adam. The next day, he tells Delilah that he’s off on an important mission.
“That’s nice, dear! The trash needs to be taken to the dump.” Delilah replies, but Jayden claims that he needs her help. It’s a super important mission that requires all hands on deck. Unsure of what this implies, Delilah hesitantly accepts the offer.
Clarissa and Adam sit on a bench at the park when Willie and Devon step in, checking in on the lovebirds. To Willie’s surprise, everything has gone swimmingly. Clarissa in particular seems entranced. All seems good when Willie receives a text.
“Oh no…” Devon mutters to himself before borrowing Willie, showing him the text. The two leave in a hurry, arguing among themselves over how they break the news. One shot of Devon’s phone reveals the news. Johnny is coming home soon, and he has a surprise awaiting everyone.
Sitting on the bench, Clarissa asks Adam what he thinks of her. Adam says that Clarissa is a beautiful person who seems to have her life all figured out. Clarissa admits that she isn’t sure. She thought for sure she’d live the rest of her life with Johnny, but ever since Willie suggested they start dating, Clarissa’s come to realize that Adam is more affectionate and caring than Johnny. Johnny made her feel like a queen, and went on to do great things in Oregon, but he seemed to neglect her, almost as if he was pressuring her to catch up, forcing her to feel “perfect”.
Adam isn’t sure how to respond at first, but the words soon stream out as he admits he’s never known a perfect person, and that anyone trying to reach that level is deluding themselves, even if their intentions are noble. If Johnny doesn’t feel Clarissa is perfect, then maybe his standards are too high. It’s at this point, Adam realizes how much easier it’s become to talk to Clarissa.
In the background, Jayden and Delilah’s mission presses onward with the duo getting into a nasty spat with a group of squirrels, causing them to flee for their lives and miss Adam and Clarissa entirely.
That evening, Clarissa lies on her bed, talking on the phone to Sophie, gushing about how great Adam is. Sophie is confused but goes along with what Clarissa said only to receive a text from Devon. She immediately hangs up, leaving Clarissa high and dry. Sophie then calls Willie and learns of his plan. She calls him out for trying to break Johnny and Clarissa up, Willie owning up to the fact. The two proceed to come up with a plan to tell them tomorrow.
Clarissa finds Ms. Harrow out in the street the following day and proceeds to thank her for the advice. Ever since then, she’s felt more confident in herself, owing it all to Adam. Despite Harrow’s bemusement over Clarissa praising Adam, she’s glad that all seems to be working out. She then comes across a depressed Jayden who, without mentioning Adam and Clarissa, reveals his plight. Harrow suggests that maybe there’s still a chance he can figure out the deception, he just needs to get lucky.
Out in the same park where it all started, Clarissa finds Adam and the two share a hug, saying that have something important to tell the other. From there, the two spill all their feelings out, grateful to have gone through all this with the other. They’re both about to confess their love when Sophie and Willie rush up to them, warning them not to do it. When asked why, Willie asks Adam if he knew about Johnny leaving.
Terrified, Adam learns that Johnny is returning tomorrow with a big surprise. Concerned, Clarissa’s mind goes into overdrive as she contemplates her next move. In a feverish state, she kisses Adam on the lips. When she finishes, Clarissa turns around and is horrified to find Jayden filming the exchange on his phone. She runs off, leaving everyone to pick up the pieces.
Amazed to have finally found evidence of Clarissa’s secret relationship, Jayden considers posting the information on Instagram. Adam begs him not to, not wanting Clarissa’s relationship with Johnny to be ruined. Jayden ponders it, and after staring at the footage deletes it off his phone. The secret is safe with him.
Clarissa meanwhile is in a state of absolute panic, believing that she’s ruined things with Johnny. She paces her room, about to have a nervous breakdown when she spots a picture of Johnny and Clarissa as prom king and queen.
What follows is a series of flashbacks involving Johnny and Clarissa together. Here, we find that Johnny is a supportive, helpful and loving boyfriend to Clarissa, being there for cheer practice, helping her with homework and protecting her from a bully. The flashback ends with Johnny and Clarissa at prom, dancing together and kissing. Clarissa stares at the photo, realizing what must be done.
The entire gang are at the park, awaiting the arrival of Johnny. Willie and Devon take bets on how screwed Adam is when Johnny finally makes his grand return. Immediately, he can tell things are awkward with Clarissa. After some cajoling, Clarissa admits to have been seeing Adam behind his back. Angered, Johnny turns his focus to Adam, about ready to kill him when Willie steps up, admitting fault to the matter. It was his idea so he should get the ass-kicking.
Johnny refuses, just disappointed at the entire matter. It’s there Adam finds his voice, asking why Johnny didn’t tell Clarissa he was going to gone. Johnny pauses, realizing that he forgot to tell Clarissa that his parents moved vacation plans to the week before her birthday, apologizing profusely and admitting that he hasn’t been that great a boyfriend recently.
“Y’know, it feels like I’ve taken you for granted, and I shouldn’t.” Johnny confesses, calling Clarissa an incredible woman who has been there for him whenever he needs it. Now it’s time for him to do the same for her. Clarissa apologizes, ending with the two sharing an embrace.
Adam looks on, content with the matter, Willie and Devon offering to find a girlfriend, only for Johnny to make another confession. He’s polyamorous. He came to realize this while on vacation. After a brief discussion on polyamory, Johnny asks if Adam would be willing to join the relationship, seeing how happy he’s made Clarissa. Stunned, Adam admits that it won’t be easy, but he’s willing to try.
To celebrate, Clarissa takes everyone to Applebees, Ms. Harrow and Delilah join in. Jayden proudly claims that he knew everything would work out before Clarissa gathers everyone together for a selfie. As Clarissa kisses both Johnny and Adam on the cheeks, Willie gives Adam a smile and says:
“Not bad for a guy on the fly.”
All Adam can do is say “No, not bad at all” as Clarissa takes the group selfie.
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