on the fourth of july 1996 in southport, north carolina, high school graduates julie james (jennifer love hewitt), ray and george bronson (freddie prinze jr. and matthew lillard) charlotte wilson (neve campbell), helen shivers (sarah michelle gellar), and barry cox (ryan phillippe) drive to the beach after a night of partying. while driving along a coastal byway, they accidentally hit a pedestrian. julie's friend max (johnny galecki) passes by them on the road. julie reassures max that everything is all right, and he leaves. after some arguing, the group decides to dispose of the body, dumping it in the water. they agree to never again discuss what had happened.