Being Frank

Seventeen-year-old Philip is nearing the end of his high school years and harbors dreams of becoming a musician. His father, Frank, has other plans, insisting Philip spend his summer interning at their family's ketchup factory and pursuing a state college education.

Feeling nostalgic about his high school life, Philip approaches his mother, Laura, to request permission to attend the Starling Festival at the lake. Despite Laura’s fond memories of the festival, she denies Philip's heartfelt plea, leaving him feeling hopeless and defeated.

Philip receives an acceptance letter from NYU, igniting hope for his dreams. However, his father Frank's immediate reaction is dismissive, crushing Philip's aspirations without discussion.

With his father away on a trip to Japan, Philip decides to sneak out after being advised by his friend, Lewis. The two boys set out towards the lake, seeking an escape from their complicated home lives.

Rather than arriving at a luxurious lakeside cabin, Philip and Lewis find themselves at Ross’s modest home, which adds a twist to their getaway. As they spend the day lounging by the pool, Philip’s attention shifts to his high school crush, Allison.

Philip and Lewis unexpectedly spot Frank at the pool with a young waitress, igniting their curiosity. They follow him to her home and uncover the shocking truth that Frank has another family, revealing his secret life.

The next day, Philip cleverly assumes the identity of Richie's son, allowing him to connect with Frank's other children without revealing the truth. This deception leads to an unexpected warmth from his newfound half-siblings.

When Frank returns from Japan, a tense evening results in Philip convincing his father to finance his NYU tuition. This moment solidifies a temporary bond as they share stories and connect as a family.

Laura, worried about Philip's absence, consults with Lewis' mother who inadvertently reveals that Philip is at the lake. Realizing the urgency, Laura and Lib decide to search for him, leading to potential chaos ahead.

Amidst family disarray and anticipation for the festival, Frank tries to concoct a story to justify his absence from Japan. Both families frantically prepare, blissfully unaware of the looming chaos that awaits them.

On the morning of the festival, Frank feels an urge to escape Bonnie's cabin and rush to meet Laura's family. His hasty decision leads to a chaotic intertwining of both families at the festival venue.

As Philip and Frank arrive at the festival, everything seems to unravel as both families converge unexpectedly. Philip tries to reach Laura while wrestling with unexpected romantic attention from his half-sister Kelly.

In a moment of chaos, Frank pushes Philip out of harm's way when a car speeds towards them. They narrowly escape injury but end up at the hospital due to Frank’s injuries, complicating their already strained relationship.

While recovering in the hospital, the emotional fallout unfolds. Laura leaves abruptly, signifying the fracturing of her marriage with Frank, while Bonnie confronts Frank about his choices, leading to a devastating sense of exhaustion for everyone involved.

Months later, Philip settles into his dorm and surprises Kelly, who will be living next door. In an emotional gesture, Frank gifts Philip his father's guitar, symbolizing a new path forward for Philip to pursue his musical dreams.