Cipher in the Snow

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.

Based on a short story by Jean Mizer, this film is about a teacher named Frank who is asked to find a delegation and write an eulogy for a teenage boy named Cliff Evans, who recently died unexpectedly. Despite barely knowing Evans, Frank is listed as one of the few people Evans considers a friend. After learning the backstory and unable to find enough people who knew the boy, Frank realizes the likely cause of Evans’s death and vows never to allow a similar case to happen. Frank comes to this as he was one of the few who showed any support for Evans.

Link for the film here.

Tropes used in Cipher in the Snow include:
  • Abusive Dad: Evans's step-dad was to harsh.
  • Cool Teacher: Frank meets this, after all he does research the reasons of what lead to Evans' death.
  • Downer Beginning: Evans dies in front of a bus full of teenagers.
  • Died in Your Arms Tonight: Evans dies in front of the bus driver.
  • Dying Alone: Cliff Evans, somewhat subverted as the bus driver was with him.
  • Meaningful Funeral: Frank and two other school officials are among the few to attends Evans's funeral.
  • Tear Jerker: Seeing Cliff Evans was never loved, it's clear what could've lead to his death.