Thirteen is a 2003 film co-written by Catherine Hardwicke (who also directed the film) and Nikki Reed. It is an autobiographical film based on Reed’s experiences as a 13-year-old and those around her in the same age group. The film’s script, written in six days, originally called for a comedic tone.

The film caused controversy upon its release, dealing with topics such as underage sexual behavior (the teenagers involved in it are as young as 14) and drug and alcohol abuse.

Plot

At the age of 13, Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) is a straight-A student and poet. Her personal life is troubled, however; she struggles with self esteem issues, she is torn between the relationship of her divorced parents and grappling with her mom’s issues, and feels like a social outcast at school. Shortly after befriending Evie Zamora (Nikki Reed), the most popular and attractive girl at school, Evie leads vulnerable Tracy down the road of sex, drugs, and crime. Tracy is now faced with all the typical emotions of a teenager plus the after effects of a self-destructive lifestyle. Tracy transforms, almost overnight, into a violent and self-destructive young girl, losing her old friends and gaining a bad reputation.

Cast

• Holly Hunter as Melanie “Mel” Freeland
• Evan Rachel Wood as Tracy Louise Freeland
• Nikki Reed as Evie Zamora
• Vanessa Hudgens as Noel
• Brady Corbet as Mason Freeland
• Jeremy Sisto as Brady
• Sarah Clarke as Birdie
• Tessa Ludwick as Yumi
• Kip Pardue as Luke Short