*spoiler* WHAT in the name of Lord was up with Amber?

I was thinking the same thing! The only idea I thought of while watching was that she was scared. Maybe scared to make a commitment, scared of loving him in general. She was afraid to let go.

I also agree with the status quo thing as it was kind of obvious in the film that she had high standards and tried hard to avoid being seen with him. I sort of felt that she was also sad, maybe depressed and felt she didn't deserve him or something. Not sure really, but the film certainly does cause different thoughts and emotions. That's what's so amazing about it, not many movies similar to this can do that.

All I know is that I was soo rooting for them to end up together because of all that tension between them throughout.

I think Amber liked Thayer too much, and it did scare her. And because of her preoccupation with conforming to social norms, she didn't want to ruin her image by giving into her feelings for Thayer. Also, Thayer was an emotional, impulsive, genuinely good hearted person, and because of her own troubles at home, Amber detached herself emotionally, and was always trying to keep her emotions in check. Thayer would have caused Amber to become vulnerable, and she wouldn't allow herself to show that side of herself. For some reason, I started thinking of Cathy and Heathcliffe as I typed this comment.








"Stop grinning like a psycho, and get back to work." Doakes, on Dexter

I think that it was that she always though was going to be there.
You know.
He was obsessed and in love with her and he offered her everything she needed, but she was afraid to lose it all and held it all in. Forcing herself to stick with what she tried desperstly to control, her 'image' around others.

That's what makes this story so tenderly heartbreaking. It's the simplicity of love vs soical acceptance.
People always fearing the words that may be said about them.

This movie is truth. It's crimson red bloody truth.

In the end she found herself lost because the guy who she thought would always be there, is gone. And she doesn't get her goodbye. Only a 'what if'

Reading these comments worries me. I do think that Amber wasnted to keep up with the status quo, but Thayer was also a little abbusive. He wrote a poem about how he thought she was a slut and read it to the whole class. He was also physically aggressive. He never hurt her, but her body is her own. He had know right to push her head against the locker and get so phyically close. The same goes for the beach and in the bathroom. Plus he would slam things and crush paper in an infinite intimidating way. On top of all of that, he was slightly unhinged from the abuse he sustained. Even Thayer knew he was abusive. That's why he ended his poem about his sister with, "I'm one of them." He needed guidance to overcome the trauma that made him this way, but he didn't know where to get it.

I think they could have had a beautifal relationship if and when Amber was ready and capable if helping Thayer sort through his issues, but he wanted too much from her and too soon. Remember, she is only 17. She had her own emotional baggage to deal with, and emotional baggage is tough when you're 17. If he had stuck around, maybe she wouldn't have moved on to Mr. Mustache, but they both made their own decisions. Showing up after years and expecting her to just suddenly declare her love for him was very unfair.

If he didn't die, then I hope he got the help he needed.