“Nutcracker” offers a novel take on a classic cautionary narrative. The story centers on Shelly, a 17-year-old African-American girl navigating the threshold of adulthood. She grapples with the intense desires to be wanted, to feel validated, and to belong, which lead her into a state of desperation. Her rich imagination frequently lands her in uncomfortable predicaments, but as the plot unfolds, it pushes her to the brink, where she risks not only her vulnerability but also her very life.