Wondering why Evie turned on Tracy in Thirteen? The 2003 teen drama shocked viewers with its raw depiction of adolescence and betrayal. As Tracy spirals under Evie’s influence, the film builds toward a moment that leaves audiences questioning the bond between the two girls. But what drove Evie to betray her closest friend?
Here’s what Thirteen reveals about Evie’s true motive and how it shattered Tracy’s world.
Evie betrays Tracy for this twisted reason in Thirteen movie
In Thirteen (2003), Evie betrays Tracy to protect her own reputation and avoid consequences for her actions. After Tracy’s mother, Mel, refuses to adopt Evie, Tracy agrees with the decision. Feeling rejected, Evie retaliates by distancing herself and framing Tracy during a staged intervention.
Evie convinces her guardian, Brooke, that Tracy introduced her to drugs and alcohol. During the intervention at Tracy’s house, Evie reveals a hidden stash of substances and personal items, originally hers, and blames Tracy for corrupting her. She tells Tracy, “I had to. You don’t get it.”
Throughout the film, Evie presents herself as socially superior and manipulates Tracy, drawing her into a world of drugs, underage sex, shoplifting, and truancy. Tracy, originally a high-achieving student with few friends, changes her appearance, personality, and behavior to fit into Evie’s world.
As their bond intensifies, Evie isolates Tracy from her family and school life. When consequences surface, including Tracy repeating a grade, their friendship starts to fracture. Fearing exposure and loss of control, Evie pins the blame entirely on Tracy.
Evie calculates the betrayal carefully. She wants to protect her “good girl” image and avoid punishment. By shifting the narrative, she makes Tracy take full responsibility for their shared misconduct. The betrayal devastates Tracy, who believed their friendship was real.
The betrayal leaves Tracy emotionally wrecked. She realizes that Evie never intended to support her during the fallout. As the friendship dissolves, Tracy returns to her mother, Mel, whose presence becomes her only support system after a destructive spiral caused by Evie’s influence.
Thirteen was directed by Catherine Hardwicke and stars Nikki Reed, Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter, and Jeremy Sisto. It premiered on August 20, 2003.
