Comedy
United States of America
Candy Jar is a Netflix original movie directed by Ben Shelton and released on April 27, 2018. The film features two high school seniors, Lona Skinner (Sami Gayle) and Bennett Russell (Jacob Latimore), who are top debaters in their school's debate team. Lona and Bennett are constantly at odds with each other, both in and out of the debate room.
Lona is an ambitious and hardworking student who intends to attend Harvard University, while Bennett is a gifted musician who aspires to attend Juilliard School of Music. Despite their differences, they realize that their college applications would benefit from a successful debate season.
With the help of their debate teacher, Mr. Matthews (Chris Candy), Lona and Bennett form an unlikely alliance and set their sights on winning a national debate championship. However, their journey is not without challenges. They must learn to work together, overcome their personal biases, and navigate the politics of the debaters' world.
As they prepare for the national championship, Lona and Bennett face personal obstacles. Lona struggles with her relationship with her mother, while Bennett questions his passion for music. Along the way, they also discover each other's hidden talents and learn to appreciate their differences.
Candy Jar is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores themes of ambition, friendship, and personal growth. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Uzo Aduba, Christina Hendricks, and Helen Hunt.
