In a world where silence permeates everyday life, Ruby Rossi, portrayed by Emilia Jones, stands out as the sole hearing member of her deaf family. Her father, Frank (Troy Kotsur), her mother, Jackie (Marlee Matlin), and her older brother, Leo (Daniel Durant), depend on Ruby to bridge the gap between their quiet existence and the bustling world outside. Each day, Ruby navigates her dual role of student and family translator, often finding solace in her voice as she helps her family communicate with their surroundings while working alongside her father on his fishing boat. The rhythmic sounds of the sea create a comforting backdrop to her struggles.
Ruby's life is a constant balancing act, defined by her commitments to school and her family's needs. At school, her best friend, Gertie, played by Amy Forsyth, provides unwavering support against the backdrop of relentless teasing from classmates who mock her for her fishing smell and unique heritage. Complicating matters is Ruby's burgeoning crush on Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), who catches her eye as he auditions for the school choir. Gathering her courage, Ruby decides to join the choir in hopes of sparking his interest.
Despite her efforts, Ruby's attempts to live a normal teenage life are often interrupted by her family's eccentricities. A particularly mortifying incident occurs when her father's truck blares loud music while driving home from a medical appointment, forcing Ruby to translate a diagnosis that would normally be laced with hope but is instead a grim reminder of the burdens they all share. Dinner time at their home reveals a family dynamic rich with both love and tension, especially as Leo scrolls through Tinder, oblivious to the seriousness of their financial struggles.
In choir class, Ruby faces a significant hurdle when Mr. Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez) asks students to display their vocal prowess. Nervousness overwhelms her, and she bolts from the room in tears. Seeking solace, Ruby finds a quiet spot by the water, and with the sound of waves crashing around her, she lets her voice pierce the silence, only to return home and face her parents, who are locked in a heated discussion about financial burdens that threaten to overwhelm them. Frank suggests selling the boat, while the pressure of growing expenses and a decline in their credit situation looms large over their heads.
When Ruby bravely revisits choir class, she shares the deep-rooted pain of her childhood, mingled with the anxiety stemming from the teasing about her speech. Mr. Villalobos's empathy shines through as he witnesses Ruby's exceptional singing voice, igniting hope as he chooses her for a duet performance alongside Miles. As they prepare to harmonize, the pressures of family and school continue to mount.
Tensions escalate as Ruby learns of Leo's questionable practices at the docks, resulting in a confrontation filled with frustration. Moments later, she encounters her father indulging in a brief moment of relaxation, yet all is not well on the home front. School continues to be a challenge for Ruby, especially when her rehearsals with Miles prove disjointed due to their separate practice sessions. Mr. Villalobos presses them to improve, but Ruby faces growing doubts about her future following his revelations about scholarship auditions looming on the horizon.
Communication with her mother about her dreams is met with ambivalence, leaving Ruby feeling hurt when Jackie suggests a whimsical life path that denies her aspirations. Meanwhile, Leo tries to rally the fishermen into forming a co-op, only for Frank to shoot down the idea, fueling the discord among the brothers. The night takes an unexpected turn as Leo finds himself embroiled in a bar fight, but an emerging bond with Gertie lends him comfort, creating a flicker of connection amid chaos.
Yet, as Ruby's duet with Miles develops, their harmonies are disrupted by the awkwardness of family life, highlighted by a conversation about relationships that leaves Ruby feeling self-conscious. School rumors spring to life, further complicating Ruby's relationship with Miles and deepening her sense of isolation. Venting through her music, she connects with Joni Mitchell's heartfelt lyrics in "Both Sides Now," catching Mr. Villalobos's attention as he encourages her to pour her emotions into her performances.
As community pressures increase, Frank decides to make a stand regarding the observers, leading to a stirring speech that shocks everyone. He outlines grand plans for a co-op with Ruby serving as the voice of their family aspirations. While Jackie feels overwhelmed, Leo sees a chance for unity within the fishing community.
As Ruby juggles her commitments, her late arrivals to practice infuriate Mr. Villalobos, who issues a stern warning about their sessions continuing. A looming news segment adds more stress, showcasing their family business and leaving Ruby torn between loyalty and her music, eventually missing critical moments with Mr. Villalobos.
Confronted by family discord, Ruby bravely shares her passion for singing, only to face unwelcome challenges and skepticism. As heated debates arise about pursuing education, tensions peak, leaving Ruby deeply frustrated. Events cascade when an observer’s presence casts a shadow over their fishing endeavors, resulting in strong admonition against their practices and leading to unforeseen consequences that threaten to dismantle everything Ruby’s family has fought for.
The turning point arrives amidst miscommunication and misunderstanding as Ruby shares a blissful moment with Miles, which tumbles into a romantic kiss, but danger lurks as the observer senses a breach of protocols. The unfolding drama leads to severe penalties for Frank, who faces the crushing reality of a suspended license and financial ruin without assistance. Ruby's family proposes she step into a role that dreads the compromise of her college aspirations, bringing her to tears over the pressures to provide for her family.
Determined to uplift Ruby, Jackie gifts her a striking dress for an upcoming concert, but the moment also serves as a reminder of Ruby's sense of isolation. As family dynamics evolve during heartfelt exchanges, Ruby learns about her mother's past with hearing, creating more layers of understanding and empathy.
The narrative crescendos as Ruby faces the music department and an uncertain future during her Berklee audition. Stricken with panic and forgetting her sheet music, the pressure mounts until a familiar face offers unexpected support, allowing her to shine despite the hurdles.
As Ruby passionately performs "Both Sides Now" while signing the lyrics, her family's presence at her audition becomes both a source of strength and tension. With newfound hope, the family begins to mend their bonds; Frank implements a new deckhand system, Jackie champions connections with other wives, and Miles steps up his communication efforts.
When Ruby's acceptance into Berklee materializes, bittersweet emotions surround her departure as she shares heartfelt moments with her family. Just before leaving, she sprints back, offering one last embrace, ensuring her message of love is clear when signing her farewell.
