How to Tie a Tie

This film centers on Dominique, a black West Virginian teenager raised by a single mother. After his mother marries William, Dominique struggles with the change in his family dynamics and the resentment towards his new step-father. When his crush invites him to the winter formal, he seeks out his biological father, hoping to learn how to tie a tie, a metaphor for finding his place in the world.

The encounter with his father reveals harsh realities, leading Dominique to reassess his relationships. Ultimately, he decides to embrace his identity and connect with his step-father, learning not just the practical skill of tying a tie but also how to assert his own identity. The film's narrative combines personal growth with the importance of family ties, making it a poignant exploration of adolescence and acceptance.