The young adolescent Melinda Sordino arrives at high school feeling confused, depressed and alone. Her school peers call her "squealer", because she alerted the police during a summer party after she was sexually assaulted by Andy Evans. She refuses to tell anyone the events that took place. Her depression and distance from people is made worse by the increasingly large gap between her and her parents. She finds great support with her art teacher Mr. Freeman and her school friend David Petrakis. Her feelings threaten to engulf her but Melinda learns to grow from her experiences instead of repressing the past emotions that have scarred her for the rest of her life.

       - The Internet Movie Database

 

Speak is such a life changing film. It represented all the conflicts that are present during one’s adolescent life such as sexual harassment, wild parties, alcohol, and how these events impact your social image. Kristen Stewart’s character, Melinda, is sexually abused by an older boy. In her freshman year of high school she is teased and known as “squealer”. Melinda is too afraid to face her own personal, internal conflict and keeps quiet. Eventually, she musters up the courage to tell her friends and family. This inspiring film sends a great message about small decisions that can greatly impact your life and change you. The ability to speak and be your own person and stand up for yourself is an incredible fear to overcome.

Speak

I should probably tell someone. Just... *anyone*. Get it over with. Blurt it out.

- Melinda Sordino, Speak