Watch Speak

The film is the story of a young freshman girl, Melinda Sordino (Kristen Stewart), who is raped by a senior, Andy Evans (Eric Lively), at a summer party. She calls 911 but can't divulge what has happened to her. She is labeled a squealer by her class, and she withdraws socially. As Melinda's grades slip her parents are concerned, and ask her to speak to Mr. Neck (Robert John Burke). He encourages her to write a history paper. She refuses to read the paper aloud, and is sent to the principle's office. There she becomes friends with a new student. Heather Billings (Allison Siko) remains friends with Melinda until she becomes friends with a clique group, and leaves Melinda behind. A lab friend Dave Petrakis (Michael Angarano), is the only person who is able to draw a positive response out of Melinda. Later in the year Melinda has made progress with the help of Dave, and her art teacher. Melinda notices that Rachel (Hallee Hirsh), someone who used to be a friend, is dating Andy, the boy who raped her. She finds the strength to go to the library, and in note form, divulge the information to Rachel. Rachel does not believe her at first, but it doesn't take long before she realizes Melinda is telling the truth. Rachel tells others, and Andy doesn't like it. He comes after Melinda with the intent to hurt her for revealing what happened. Cornered in a closet, Andy attacks Melinda. A former friend, and her lacrosse stick carrying friends corner Andy in the closet and give him a proper beating. Melinda walks away injured, but stronger than ever. On her way back from the hospital, Melinda opens the window, and breathes the fresh air. She finds the courage to relate to her mother what happened that summer. The strength to speak of the event have finally arrived. Melinda is not over the rape, but well on the way to recovery.