In this truth-inspired film, Dito receives an urgent phone call from his mother, Flori, informing him that his father is gravely ill. Fast forward to 2005 in Los Angeles, Dito takes the stage, introduced by an unseen host as the writer of "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints". With a microphone in hand, he shares the profound meaning behind his book.
Jumping back to 1986 in Astoria, Queens, we see a younger Dito boldly declare his intention to distance himself from everyone connected to the story unfolding in front of him. This moment marks one of the rare instances in the film where a character directly engages with the audience, as he seems to drift away from the narrative itself. Soon after, supportive characters enter the scene, introducing themselves one by one. Among them is Laurie, Dito's girlfriend, who sells food at the pool. Dito struggles to make his father, Monty, comprehend that Laurie's job doesn't mean she’s training to be a swimmer.
As the narrative develops, we are introduced to Dito’s friends, and a comment is made that their neighborhood lacks violence—yet a fight quickly erupts, contradicting that notion. Both Dito and his friend Antonio are seen at Dito’s apartment, attempting to persuade Monty that they are committed to their aspirations of becoming boxers, with Monty insisting he can teach them better than anyone at the local gym. There’s turmoil as a local vandal known as "Reaper" starts tagging the area, much to Antonio's dismay.
At Catholic school, a new student named Mike, recently arrived from Ireland, reads a poem that resonates with Dito. The two boys quickly bond over their passion for music and express a desire to start a band together. One day, Nerf rolls up in a classic '75 Chevy, and everyone jumps at the opportunity to join the ride; despite his reluctance, Nerf ends up with them all piled in.
As night falls, Nerf continues driving his friends around. Antonio's suspicion towards a Puerto Rican kid leads him to confront the child, although his friends urge him to be kinder. Meanwhile, Dito receives calls from Antonio and Nerf in the present, nudging him to return home. Eventually, transportation arrives, and Dito is picked up.
Back in the past, Dito and Mike decide to dog-walk for Frank in exchange for cash. In a darker turn, Antonio suffers abuse from his father, showcasing the harsh realities they face. The friendship between Dito and Mike deepens as they indulge in marijuana and dream of escaping to California, a place they believe holds brighter prospects than their current environment.
Tension rises when Reaper accuses Dito of disrupting their graffiti activities, leading to a violent confrontation where Dito is attacked with a baseball bat. Dito and Antonio return to Dito's house and attempt to downplay Dito’s injuries, but Laurie’s unexpected arrival causes friction, and Dito sends her away.
In the present, Dito catches a glimpse of Laurie and her young son Joey through a window, stirring feelings of nostalgia. He visits his ailing parents, with Flori welcoming him warmly, while Monty accuses Dito of abandoning them and refuses hospitalization. Tragedy strikes when Antonio's younger brother, Giuseppe, dies in a rail accident, leading to a somber funeral.
Conversations in the present reveal that Antonio has faced incarceration. In the past, a quest for revenge drives Antonio to kill a member of the Reaper gang, culminating in blue and red emergency lights flashing in the neighborhood, while Monty remains optimistic about Antonio's situation.
Dito finds himself at odds with Monty, particularly when discussions about Dito's departure escalate into a heated argument where Monty suffers a seizure. Their shared struggles intensify when Dito and Mike confront Frank for their owed wage, only to find a high Frank overreacting and mistaking them for robbers. Tragically, retaliation leads to Mike’s death, which pushes Dito towards his long-awaited escape to California.
Back in the present, Dito insists that Monty seek medical help and later visits Antonio at Ryker's Island, where he receives a joyful welcome. In the end, Dito wraps up his program in the studio while the film closes with real footage of Monty and scenes of the young men together on the streets during the credits.
