Lily, a shy and wistful girl, finds solace in her songwriting when the world isn't listening. She spends her days working at a fast food restaurant in Wellington and secretly harbors a crush on Jarrod, a charming geek from the local video game store. When Jarrod entrusts Lily with an invitation to his quirky "dress as your favourite animal" party to give to her colleague Jenny, things take a surprising turn when Jenny tosses it aside. Undeterred, Lily retrieves the invitation and attends the party, bringing along her supportive brother, Damon.
The party, though sparsely populated, is filled with guests of all ages donned in extravagant animal costumes. Jarrod is captivated by Lily's clever shark outfit and her impressive video game skills. They retreat to Jarrod's room, where, amidst the exchange of personal stories—Lily revealing the tragic loss of her parents to heart attacks—an unexpected romantic moment unfolds, leading them to share a kiss and a fleeting intimate encounter.
However, the following day brings disappointment as Jarrod misses their planned date. When he finally appears at Lily's house, he offers an apology, confiding about his struggles with depression and his desire to confront a high-school bully named Eric, but admits he lacks transportation. In a twist of fate, Damon steps in to offer a ride to Jarrod's hometown, setting the stage for a journey that will intertwine their lives.
As they venture into Jarrod's world, Lily is introduced to his peculiar family dynamic. His sister and brother-in-law sell an array of bizarre products, and his father, a man confined to a wheelchair, is anything but emotionally available. Jarrod's nine-year-old daughter, Vinny, whom he occasionally sees, adds another layer of complexity to the household. With limited space, Jarrod and Lily find themselves sleeping in a tent outdoors.
A clearer picture of Jarrod's tumultuous familial relationships emerges as it becomes evident that his father favors Jarrod's accomplished brother, Gordon. Struggling for attention, Jarrod invests his energy into preparing for his confrontation with Eric, receiving intel from his friend, Mason, about Eric's return to town. The tension peaks when Tracy, Gordon's successful fiancée, visits, reinforcing Jarrod's feelings of inadequacy, leading him to break things off with Lily, stating he’s too wrapped up in his quest for revenge and calls himself “too complex” for a relationship.
Despite her heartache, Lily maintains a brave face. Participating in a local party, she embraces the night, dancing freely while Jarrod watches with jealousy. After a regrettable night spent in the bushes, Jarrod expresses his anxiety over her choices. Later, in a climactic confrontation with Eric, Jarrod discovers his former bully is now disabled, eliciting a complicated mix of emotions.
As family dynamics unfold further, Lily learns uncomfortable truths about Jarrod's past, including the real circumstances surrounding his brother's demise. Amidst a family dinner filled with laughter, Jarrod's jealousy ignites; yet strife leads Lily to a local bash where Jarrod’s insecurities resurface.
Ultimately, Jarrod's encounter with Eric, which goes awry despite his intention for revenge, sends him into a spiral. Distressed, he isolates himself, prompting Lily to follow him and offer her support. Their fate hangs in the balance at the bus stop the next day, where Jarrod awaits her with an apology bouquet of lilies, promising reconciliation. Their spirits lifted, they embark on a bus ride that symbolizes the start of a new chapter together, full of vulnerabilities and the hope of overcoming their complex emotional landscapes.
