
Cameron narrates over his birth scene, questioning what "becoming a man" means and where to turn for guidance when different from expectations.
Cameron talks about his unsupportive family, describes feeling split between his public self and inner voice, references Wilson Phillips love and high school bullying.
On the bus to Parris Island, Cameron introduces himself to John Bowman while "I Want to Break Free" plays; they awkwardly bond over their journeys.
During roll call at Parris Island, Staff Sergeant McKinnon yells "Cope!" but Cameron zones out, internally singing Wilson Phillips' "Break from the Chains."
During haircuts set to "Venus," Cameron and Ray exchange glances; drill instructor catches them and assigns latrine cleaning duty as punishment. Ray warns Cameron to "lock it up."
Communal shower scene with drill instructors barking orders. Cameron feeling nervous in the process.
New drill instructor Sullivan conducts brutal "96" rifle drill, commanding recruits to hold rifles at ninety degrees then six.
Parris Island training grounds; Sgt. McKinnon gets ready as “What We All Want” plays; he says “Kill,” ending the opening montage
During a pugil stick bout, Cameron trades places with a fellow recruit, he lets out a shriek and aggressively charges his opponent
Sergeant Sullivan introduces the obstacle course, and the recruits practice on the wall. Sullivan singles out squad leader Ray for his squad's performance.
Set to the song "Blue Monday," the recruits officially run the obstacle course. While Cameron, Ray, and Slovacek advance, the Bowman twins compete, with John struggling significantly under the instructors' verbal abuse.
Recruits watch educational video about Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone's heroism at Guadalcanal.
Recruiter Pitowski suggests “Marine Moms” support group for Barbara; she deflects with cosmetic-sales small talk, masking worry about Cameron.
Recruits struggle on Slide for Life rope obstacle. Mo and Cameron discuss thinking pleasant thoughts while hanging. Drill instructors yell commands. Ochoa struggles significantly as instructors bark orders to get feet up and move faster across rope.
Cameron attempts Stairway to Heaven obstacle as Queen's "Princes of the Universe" plays. Cameron's boot lace jams mid-climb. Ray volunteers to help free the stuck lace while drill instructors observe and yell commands.
Opening flashback establish young Ray McAffey
Outside a diner, Sergeant Sullivan pays for an hour-long meeting with a lawyer. The scene sets up his internal conflict about reenlisting in the Marines.
Sullivan contemplating his reenlistment in his car with flashbacks.
As the song "Wild Wild Life" begins, the scene transitions from the recruits to Cameron's mother, Barbara, who is hosting a cosmetics party. The arrival of Ray's mother, June, interrupts the event.
Following Recruit Ochoa's death, Sergeant Sullivan instructs Cameron to pack Ochoa's belongings. End credits.
Sullivan and Wilkinson share an intimate moment off-base
In the mess hall, recruits including Slovacek, Hicks, and Santos engage in a chaotic food fight, throwing items aggressively until Nash intervenes to stop Santos.
During maintenance week on base, Cameron Cope struggles with grief and guilt, quietly requesting a favor from superiors amid a reflective music montage on the depot
Captain Fajardo visits McKinnon's home. They discuss Ochoa's parents and McKinnon's grief.
Recruits begin singing "We Are the Champions" in barracks.
Sullivan broods alone, processing the insinuations about Wilkinson
In the barracks, new recruit Jones introduces himself as Cameron Cope's bunkmate, exchanging flirtatious banter amid the playful "Luv Dancin'" song. End credits.
Sullivan sings at the wedding reception.
Sullivan smoking a cigarette at the wedding reception bar
Cameron follows Jones into the shower and goes in for a kiss, but Jones urinates instead. Cameron surprised he's still asleep.
Recruits practice hand-to-hand combat to "The Passenger"; Ray confides to peers about reconnecting with Alice in the infirmary during training session.
Sullivan dials Captain Fajardo, nervously asks about the Wilkinson investigation before abruptly ending the call.
Sullivan encounters civilian who tells him "Fuck are you looking at, jarhead?" Sullivan takes his glass mug and smashes him in the face from the camera's perspective of the civilian. End credits.
Parris Island course: Sullivan and Howitt drive recruits through live-fire crawl and wall obstacles. Cameron hauls buddy Jones under orders; Ray assists amid shouts and training insults.
At the graduation party in the barracks, recruits sing "Changes"
Cameron is praised for helping Jones; festivities pivot as TV newscast announces Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, darkening the celebratory scene.
End credits