Is Clouds Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by A Maria
Updated May 02, 2023
Clouds Movie
"Clouds" is a teen film that was released in 2020, directed and produced by Justin Baldoni, and written by Kara Holden. The film is based on a true story from the memoir "Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way" by Laura Sobiech, and it stars Fin Argus, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Iseman, Neve Campbell, Tom Everett Scott, and Lil Rel Howery.
The plot follows the life of Zach Sobiech, a teenager from Minnesota who has osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Despite being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Zach decides to pursue his passion for music and becomes a musician. Originally intended to be released in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures, the distribution rights were later taken over by Disney, and the film was ultimately released on the Disney+ streaming service on October 16, 2020.
Is Clouds Based on a True Story?
"Clouds," the Disney+ movie, tells the true and poignant story of Zach Sobiech, a young man from Lakeland, Minnesota who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at the age of 14. Despite undergoing treatment, Zach's cancer progressed and he passed away due to complications a week after his 18th birthday in 2013. The film is based on the memoir "Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom’s Small Prayer in a Big Way," written by Zach's mother, and portrays his senior year of high school. Fin Argus plays the role of Zach in the movie, which is both heart-wrenching and uplifting."
Cast of Clouds
Fin Argus
Zach Sobiech, Rob and Laura's son
Madison Iseman
Amy Adamle, Zach's girlfriend
Sabrina Carpenter
Sammy Brown, Zach's best friend
Lil Rel Howery
Milton Weaver, Zach's teacher
Tom Everett Scott
Rob Sobiech, Zach's father, and Laura's husband
Neve Campbell
Laura Sobiech, Zach's mother, and Rob's wife
Summer H. Howell
Grace Sobiech, Zach's younger sister
Vivien Endicott-Douglas
Alli Sobiech, Zach's older sister
Dylan Everett
Sam Sobiech, Zach's older brother
Jason Mraz
himself
Luis Oliva
hip agent
CAST
CHARACTER
Clouds Ending Explained
The ending of "Clouds" is both bittersweet and thought-provoking. Zach, the main character, passes away on May 20, 2013, leaving behind his family and friends who have been with him throughout his journey. However, before his passing, he had written a college essay that offers a unique perspective on life and death, leaving viewers to ponder over the deep themes explored in the film.
As the movie draws to a close, Zach's friends Sammy and Amy gather with others to take a group photo in memory of him. It's a touching moment as they all look up to the sky and notice a cloud in the shape of a "Z," which adds to the poignancy of the scene. In the final credits of "Clouds," viewers get a chance to see photos of the actual Zach and Sammy, offering a glimpse into the real people behind the movie's characters and highlighting its true story roots.
The ending of the movie prompts viewers to reflect on the themes of life, death, and the influence one can have on others, leaving them with a curious sense of introspection. Overall, the film's ending encourages viewers to contemplate these universal themes and consider their own impact on the world around them.
Clouds Movie Plot Summary
The movie starts off with a fun and energetic talent show performance by Zach Sobiech, a high school student who is dealing with the challenges of cancer. With the help of his best friend Sammy, Zach is able to find inspiration and begin his journey as a musician. Along the way, he also finds love in fellow student Amy and together they experience the highs and lows of a teenage romance.
As Zach's cancer progresses, he begins to realize the importance of living in the moment and making the most of the time he has left. With the help of his teacher Mr. Weaver, Zach and Sammy's music gains popularity and they are given the opportunity to sign a record deal. The emotional climax of the movie is the combined prom, graduation, and concert where Zach performs his hit song "Clouds" in front of a packed audience.
Despite the heartbreaking ending, the movie leaves the audience with a sense of hope and inspiration. Zach's resilience and positivity in the face of adversity is a testament to the human spirit and his legacy lives on through his music and the love of his friends and family. "Clouds" is a beautiful tribute to a young man who made a big impact on the world in a short amount of time.
About Clouds
Directed by
Justin Baldoni
Screenplay by
Kara Holden
Story by
Based on
Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way
by Laura Sobiech
Distributed by
Disney+
Release dates
Country
United States
Language
English
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Is Clouds Based on a True Story - FAQs
"Clouds" is a movie based on the true story of Zach Sobiech, a teenager from Minnesota who is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. The film follows his journey as he pursues his passion for music while battling his illness.
"Clouds" was directed and produced by Justin Baldoni, who is known for his work on the TV show "Jane the Virgin."
The screenplay for "Clouds" was written by Kara Holden.
"Clouds" stars Fin Argus as Zach Sobiech, as well as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Iseman, Neve Campbell, Tom Everett Scott, and Lil Rel Howery.
Yes, "Clouds" is based on the true story of Zach Sobiech, as recounted in the memoir "Fly a Little Higher: How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way" by his mother, Laura Sobiech.