Candy Jar

Two top high school debaters find themselves locked in a fierce rivalry that spills beyond the debate stage into nearly every corner of their lives. They spar with wit and logic on nearly every topic, their stubborn pride keeping them at odds even when they secretly admire one another. As college dreams loom, they double down on plans to prove they deserve the most selective schools, turning each argument into a test of nerve and ambition. Yet as the pressure mounts, their clashes begin to reveal shared strengths, a surprising spark, and a wary respect. The story follows late night practice sessions, tense rounds, and awkward moments that blur the line between competition and connection, cautioning against letting rivalry outrun friendship.

Directed by Ben Shelton, Candy Jar is built from Chad Klitzman's screenplay. Source material: original screenplay. The cast includes Sami Gayle, Jacob Latimore, Christina Hendricks, Uzo Aduba, and Helen Hunt, and the film was released in 2018.

Reception has been mixed, with some praising the performances and the witty exchanges that carry the film through familiar territory. It centers on themes of ambition, competitive spirit, trust, and the cost of chasing prestigious colleges, while exploring how rivalry can fuel growth as well as doubt.

Box office data for Candy Jar is not widely reported, reflecting its limited release and indie profile. The film relies on streaming and festival exposure rather than big theater numbers, which keeps its commercial footprint modest but makes it accessible to curious audiences.

For cultural impact, Candy Jar has not sparked a major pop culture moment, but it contributes to the teen drama subgenre by treating debate as a social bond rather than just a contest. The presence of well known actors adds credibility and may draw viewers who follow their other work.