Clouds

Originally scheduled to be theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Studios took over the distribution rights and released the film on their Disney+ streaming service on October 16, 2020. The film was removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023.

In the winter of 2012, Zach and his family go to Lourdes, France, in Laura’s desperate attempt to summon some kind of miracle for Zach. Zach returns home to hang out with Sammy (“Coffee Cup”) and learns that she has bought tickets to a Jason Mraz concert. Zach decides to use the opportunity to ask Amy to go to the prom with him, and she accepts (“I’m Yours”). After having convulsions, Zach goes to Sammy’s house in the middle of the night demanding that they form a band. Both realize that they have romantic feelings for each other, but that they are incapable of having a full relationship. They continue to bond over songwriting (“Fix Me Up”) and Sammy posts their music on YouTube which earns them some fame. Despite this, Zach is certain that he will fail to achieve anything beyond the video. He is later given encouragement by Mr. Weaver.

Zach’s father, Rob, borrows a Nissan GT-R for him to drive and impress Amy with. While at her house, the two proceed to make out (“My Little Dancer”), but when Amy comments on his scars, Zach becomes despondent, tells her that he will never offer the things she wants from him, and leaves. Laura confronts Rob over the decision to get a car for Zach and he breaks down admitting that he did it to make his son happy as he is unable to do anything about his eventual death.

In the spring of 2013, Weaver reveals to Zach and Sammy that he showed their video to BMI who want to sign them. They head to New York City to sign their contracts, calling their band A Firm Handshake (“Ames”). On the flight back home, Zach suddenly has a moment of creative energy and writes the song “Clouds”. He records the song shortly afterwards, which becomes a hit.

Zach finally makes the time to apologize to Amy about his behavior and the two of them get back together. Zach speaks privately to his mother about how to handle his remains and his funeral, suggesting bagpipes be played. Sammy and the Sobiechs learn that Zach might not make it to the prom. With Zach having been given the opportunity to play at the Metro Theatre, they decide to combine the concert with their prom, a graduation, and a fundraiser for osteosarcoma. The day arrives and despite Zach’s worsening condition, he decides to perform. Sammy begins the show by performing “How to Go to Confession” before Zach heads out to perform “Clouds”. Zach has trouble breathing, but he is moved when the entire audience sings the song for him.

Zach dies on May 20, 2013. Before dying, he has written a college essay about his views on life and death. Sammy, Amy and other friends come together for a group photo in remembrance of Zach, noticing that a cloud in the sky resembles a “Z”. Photos of the real Zach and Sammy are shown during the end credits.