SYNOPSIS
CRAM is a mumblecore comedy that takes place primarily in a high school library. Every year at Corbin High School, MR. HARRIS, an intensely deep thinking teacher, selects four high school seniors that he deems as “unworthy” of graduation. He gives them a last chance opportunity to prove themselves by having them take a “life” exam, a test over a multitude of subject areas. If they pass, they get to graduate and walk through the line. If they fail, they must attend his summer school.
JORDAN, CHLOE, TOM and “PASTY” have been selected for this year. Jordan has a chip on his shoulder, feeling the world is out to get him. He wants to do better than himself, and sees this situation as just another blow to keep him from achieving his dreams.
Chloe is self-absorbed, and just wants out of the school. She sees herself as being above this group, and doesn’t want to be associated with this embarrassing fiasco.
Tom is the above-average student who cannot figure out why he has been selected.
And then there’s Pasty, a lovechild born from the family tree of Spicoli, Cheech, Chong and Saul Silver, who is happy to be wherever he is.
As part of the testing ritual, a cram session is strongly recommended.
Mr. Harris gives the four teens extensive study guides, and they meet at the high school’s library to confront the long night of studying.
Arguments ensue on how to study for the test. Personalities clash. There is even an attempt to cheat on the exam through purchasing an answer key from an unnamed source.
As the long night moves forward, Jordan, Chloe, Tom and Pasty begin to zone out through a series of visions that could reveal their futures. All seems lost as they gaze at the hours ticking away on the wall clock, borrowing a page from HIGH NOON.
The waning hours also produce a former student named CHARLIE, who wants to try his hand at taking the exam again. Through one last galvanized effort, the group gives it their best in deciphering the extensive and outrageous study guide.
The event finally arrives. Jordan, Chloe, Tom, Pasty and Charlie enter the classroom where the exam will be given. Mr. Harris is already waiting on them. Closing the door, they begin the test.
Hours later, Jordan, Chloe, Tom, Pasty and Charlie await the results.
While four pass the exam, one fails and is forced into Mr. Harris’ dreaded summer school academy.
CRAM is fast-paced with a limited location. The story provides a range of characters thrown together in a tense situation with a reflective finale.
