Camilla Dickinson

Based on the book Camilla, by Madeleine L’Engle, the film is rich with autobiographical elements from the author’s youth. Fifteen-year-old Camilla Dickinson (Adelaide Clemens) has led a sheltered life on the Upper East Side with her architect father (Cary Elwes) and beautiful, but fragile mother (Samantha Mathis).

But when her parents’ marriage begins to fall apart, Camilla finds herself caught in the middle. Her mother doesn’t want her to grow up and treats her like a child, while her father is cold and forbidding. Camilla’s friendship with Luisa (Colby Minifie) offers some escape from her stifling parents, but Luisa has problems with her own parents, both of whom are alcoholic. When Camilla meets Luisa’s older brother Frank (Gregg Sulkin), an unlikely friendship is formed, and she finds herself increasingly drawn to him. Rebellious, perhaps even a bit dangerous, and different from anyone she has ever known, Frank introduces Camilla to a world outside her sheltered apartment walls.

As their relationship deepens, Camilla and Frank realize that their parents can’t help them grow up, so they must help each other. Together they discover that the future is in their own hands.