Chapter I is a coming-of-age story for Talia Matthews a 17-year-old biracial girl who was once sweet and outgoing but turns resentful. Talia must not only learn how to start over in a foreign place but also cope with being assaulted by her classmate, Josh Yearwood. He’s the high school quarterback and untouchable rich kid as his parents are enormous financial benefactors at the school.
For Talia, she feels the weight of the good old South's racial inequality which is motivated by Stacy, a southern bell, and captain of the cheerleading squad. Stacy is a jealous girl, and her jealousy is aimed toward Talia because Stacy can see that Josh is infatuated with her. As a result, Talia chooses to remain silent about the assault for fear of Josh's social status and his family’s influence in the school, which gives him the privilege of taking zero accountability for his actions.

Throughout the film, Talia tries to cope with the pain of being violated as she becomes numb to her surroundings. However, Talia discovers that her healing process begins with a support system; which she finds in Ms. Wilson; her English teacher who sees a shift in Talia’s behavior. This shift prompts Ms. Wilson to check in on Talia. After their conversation, Talia feels a weight has been lifted off her shoulders, but that is short-lived when word gets back to Josh about the content of their conversation, which prompts him to confront Talia. However, Talia refuses to be victimized again, and for the first time, Talia stands up for herself.