Frank Goode, portrayed by Robert De Niro, is grappling with the challenges of life as a widower, having lost his wife eight months prior and recently retiring from a job in the communications industry that ironically led to a lung condition requiring medication. Determined to reconnect with his four children — Amy, Robert, Rosie, and David — he prepares to host them for a weekend, procuring steaks and fine wine to create a celebratory atmosphere.
However, when Frank begins to reach out to his children, he receives disappointing news. His son Robert is on tour with his orchestra, and as he reviews his answering machine messages, he realizes that the rest of his children are similarly unavailable. Feeling disheartened but resolute, Frank decides to surprise each of them with visits throughout the country, disregarding his doctor’s advice for rest.
His journey begins with a train ride to New York City to see David. During this trip, Frank shares with a fellow passenger the pride he takes in his past work, noting it was his contributions that facilitated communications worldwide. Yet, upon arriving at David’s home, he finds the place dark and gets no response. A brief stop at a gallery reveals a painting by David, stirring mixed emotions within him.
Continuing his quest, Frank ventures to Chicago to visit his daughter Amy, played by Kate Beckinsale. There, he unexpectedly finds her at home, only to discover the strained dynamics of her personal life. While there, Frank learns troubling news: David has been arrested in Mexico, a secret his children had hoped to shield him from, highlighting the burdens he unknowingly placed on them to succeed.
His travels take him next to Denver, where he learns from Robert that while he’s found contentment in his musical career, he bears the weight of his father’s expectations. Robert's discomfort in confronting his father’s pride becomes palpable when he learns that he cannot host Frank due to an orchestra tour.
As Frank’s journey unfolds, he grapples with his own failures as a parent, fueled by a series of unfortunate misunderstandings and mishaps. A fateful encounter with a vagrant in Reno leads to a chaotic struggle over medication, crystallizing his growing sense of isolation and urgency.
Each interaction with his children, including Rosie and the tantalizing hint of her success as a performer, reveals deep-seated truths about their relationships. In profound moments of reflection, Frank realizes the high stakes he imposed on all of them through his relentless push for achievement, especially with David, the child he worried about most.
The emotional climax strikes when Frank suffers from a heart attack on a flight, prompting surreal visions of his children as young ones. He confronts them about their lives, revealing the unresolved tensions and the denial they carried about their shared experiences. Ultimately, when he regains consciousness, he learns of David’s tragic overdose, a shattering moment that brings his quest for understanding full circle.
The film takes a poignant turn as Frank revisits his late wife’s grave, wrestling with his guilt and longing for solace. As Christmas approaches, he decides to host the family gathering, hoping to foster new memories as they navigate life’s complexities together. While they prepare the turkey, Frank reflects on the cherished times and reveals the vulnerability of his character when he confesses that despite their individual struggles, “everybody's fine.” The film closes on a heartfelt note with a song by Sir Paul McCartney, reinforcing the theme of reconciliation and love amidst life's turmoil.
