Rising Fame and Escalating Violence

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Questions and Answers

What primary motivation drives Kalani’s initial decision to leave Tulsa, Oklahoma, and pursue a career in Del Sol Valley?

An opportunity to study acting at a prestigious performing arts school in Del Sol Valley.
A yearning for the glamorous lifestyle often depicted in Hollywood movies.
A determination to escape the shadow of her abusive father and create a better future. (correct)
A desire to reconnect with distant family members living in California.

Why does Kalani murder Payton after their acting agency audition?

Kalani was overcome with jealousy and rage after Payton taunted her and asserted her own superiority. (correct)
Kalani discovered Payton had sabotaged her previous auditions, preventing her from getting work.
Payton threatened to reveal a damaging secret about Kalani's past if she got the part.
Payton bribed the agency to ensure Kalani would not be chosen.

How does the initial police investigation characterize Payton’s death, and what impact does this have on Kalani?

The police mistakenly label it a suicide, allowing Kalani to avoid suspicion and secure her spot in the agency. (correct)
The police determine it to be a professional hit, prompting Kalani to fear she is being targeted by a rival.
The police rule the death as an accident, but the lingering doubt causes Kalani to become paranoid and withdrawn.
The police immediately suspect foul play, leading to increased scrutiny of all audition attendees, including Kalani.

What triggers Kalani to begin killing those who pose a threat to her career after her breakthrough role?

The constant harassment and exploitation by misogynistic individuals, combined with her growing ambition and paranoia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Kalani's relationship with Vanessa evolve, and what leads to its ultimate dissolution?

Their relationship begins to unravel as Kalani becomes more consumed by ambition and violence, eventually leading her to abandon their queerness for a heterosexual relationship with Tyler. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Vanessa discover that reveals Kalani's true nature, and what is Vanessa's reaction?

Vanessa discovers Kalani's diary detailing her murders, leaving her in shock and silence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Kalani’s physical transformation in the context of her rising fame?

It embodies the glamorous image she believes will solidify her place in the industry, indicating a calculated effort to maintain her success. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central conflict that remains unresolved at the end of the film?

How long Kalani can maintain her perfect image before her past catches up with her. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action does Kalani take when Tyler's ex-girlfriend, Judy, confronts her?

Kalani murders Judy in a violent rage by smashing her head and pushing her off the balcony. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Kalani's abandonment of her relationship with Vanessa to marry Tyler reflect her overall character arc?

It underscores her ruthlessness and willingness to sacrifice personal connections for social advancement and the maintenance of her public image. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Del Sol Valley

A city near Hollywood where Kalani moves to pursue her acting career.

Payton

Kalani murders her out of anger and jealousy during an audition.

Vanessa

A rising star who becomes Kalani's lover before Kalani's ambition consumes her.

Tyler

Kalani abandons her relationship with Vanessa to pursue a heterosexual relationship with him.

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Judy

Tyler's ex-girlfriend, who becomes Kalani's victim.

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Study Notes

Kalani is a 22-year-old actress and singer from Tulsa, Oklahoma
She recently graduated from university with an acting degree
She moves to Del Sol Valley near Hollywood, California, to pursue her dreams
Her mother raised her alone and spoke of her abusive, deceased father

Early Struggles and First Murder

Kalani settles into a modest bungalow upon arriving in Del Sol Valley
She auditions and performs at local lounges for money
She auditions for a prestigious acting agency and faces competition from a girl named Payton
After Payton taunts Kalani, jealousy and anger lead Kalani to murder her
Kalani smashes Payton’s skull against a window
The police mistakenly rule Payton’s death a suicide, and Kalani gets into the agency