Set in the small town of Shelby, Indiana, the film alternates between past and present, focusing on the girls’ adventures, struggles, and discoveries. During that pivotal summer, the young friends set out to uncover the mystery behind the death of a boy named Dear Johnny, leading them to explore the local cemetery and conduct séances. As they navigate adolescence, they also deal with personal challenges: Roberta struggles with the loss of her mother, Samantha faces her parents’ divorce, Teeny dreams of stardom, and Chrissy grapples with her overprotective upbringing.

The girls’ bond is tested and strengthened as they experience first crushes, heartbreak, and a deepening understanding of the world around them. Their adventures culminate in the realization that childhood is fleeting, but true friendship lasts a lifetime.

The film’s adult sequences provide a nostalgic contrast, showing how their lives turned out—Samantha as a writer, Teeny as a Hollywood actress, Roberta as a doctor, and Chrissy as a soon-to-be mother. Despite their different paths, their reunion reaffirms the unbreakable bond they formed as kids.

Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, Now and Then is often compared to Stand by Me but with a female perspective. It captures the essence of growing up, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of memories, making it a beloved classic for those who grew up in the ’90s.