Flounder | 2022

Main Plot

Flounder follows the story of two lifelong friends who embark on a perilous rite of passage in their isolated coastal town. As they set out together, the ritual challenges not only their courage but also the deep trust they have built over the years. Along the way, they must confront their own fears and insecurities, as well as the changing dynamics between them. The journey forces them to make difficult choices and face the possibility that their bond may not survive the ordeal. As the stakes rise and the dangers intensify, the friends are pushed to their limits, ultimately discovering what they truly mean to each other. Through tense moments and heartfelt revelations, Flounder explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Characters

• Joshua Balan plays Ethan, a loyal friend determined to prove his worth. As the ritual unfolds, Ethan must confront his deepest insecurities and the limits of trust.
• Andrew C. Carson portrays Max, whose adventurous spirit masks hidden doubts about the journey. Max’s choices force both friends to reevaluate what binds them together and what could tear them apart.
• Derek Chang appears as Tyler, the enigmatic guide leading the ritual. Tyler’s cryptic motivations add tension, challenging the friends’ bond and pushing them toward unexpected revelations.

Ending Explained

As Flounder reaches its conclusion, the two childhood friends emerge from the perilous ritual forever changed. The final scenes reveal the true cost of their journey: while they have survived the physical dangers, the emotional scars and revelations have altered the foundation of their friendship. In the aftermath, the friends must confront the choices they made and the secrets that surfaced during their ordeal. The resolution is bittersweet—though they have proven their loyalty and resilience, the experience has forced them to reevaluate what they mean to each other. The film closes with the friends standing at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively, suggesting that while their bond has been tested and transformed, there is hope for a new beginning. The ending underscores the central theme that true friendship is not defined by the absence of conflict, but by the willingness to face hardship together and emerge stronger, even if changed.