Everything's Going to Be Great

The story begins with Macy, Buddy, and their sons Derrick and Lester managing a live stage theater in Kansas. Lester, an outcast who prefers elegant attire, often dreams of conversations with legendary deceased drama figures like Noel Coward. The family is deeply involved in the theater business, with Lester frequently disrupting performances and receiving imaginary advice from past drama icons.

Buddy, an ambitious family patriarch, shares his plans to grow their theater business and eventually relocate to Milwaukee and other big cities. The family votes on the move during dinner, with Derrick opposing due to personal attachments, while others support Buddy’s vision. The decision marks a major turning point for their lives.

After relocating to a new theater, Buddy faces difficulties attracting audiences, creating tension within the family. Macy, already worn down from daily struggles and Buddy's relentless drive, begins to feel emotionally neglected. Buddy’s efforts to revive the theater do not immediately succeed, straining their relationships.

Buddy, who was previously agnostic, unexpectedly adopts a multi-faith approach and starts encouraging his congregations to buy tickets, which results in a doubling of theater attendance. This change temporarily improves the family’s fortunes and unity as new common ground is found.

Lester accidentally witnesses Macy in an extramarital encounter with a new acquaintance, which distressingly shocks him. He runs away in grief, and Macy quickly chases after him. They reunite at the moment Buddy, who is on the phone receiving an offer to manage a theater in Milwaukee, is oblivious to their distress.

Buddy leaves to buy champagne for celebration and suddenly collapses in a convenience store due to a heart attack, despite having been warned by his doctor to retire because of his heart condition. His death shocks the family and marks a devastating loss, leaving them without their main breadwinner and a clear future plan.

Following Buddy’s sudden death, the family loses their theater and faces financial difficulties. They are forced to relocate to Macy’s brother Walter’s farm, where they start a new chapter with limited resources. This represents a period of adjustment and hardship for everyone.

At a new school, Lester overhears Derrick criticizing their family’s past theater life and belittling Buddy. This sparks a confrontation between the brothers, leading Lester to declare that he will succeed in New York within five years, signifying his determination to forge his own path.

Macy deals with profound grief over Buddy’s sudden passing, compounded by her feelings of regret and disappointment in his refusal to prepare a backup plan. She starts drinking and questions her faith, slipping into a depressive state as she tries to find stability again.

While hanging out with his girlfriend Selena, Derrick breaks down over Buddy’s death, revealing his emotional struggles. Despite initial distance, Derrick and Lester reconcile, with Derrick expressing confidence that Lester will succeed without needing to conform, strengthening their brotherly bond.

On Macy’s birthday, she receives a Bible, which Lester claims Buddy bought, symbolizing hope and faith. Lester’s elaborate prank with a handmade Bible lifts Macy out of her depression, giving her renewed strength and a sense of connection to Buddy’s memory.

Macy gradually regains stability by taking on a managerial role at a theater in New Jersey, initially focusing on staging Neil Simon plays. Her renewed purpose allows her to move forward and envision a future in the theater industry.

Derrick shifts his focus from theater back to football and friends, while Lester continues to imagine success in New York. Their paths diverge, but both are driven by hopes for a bright future rooted in their personal dreams.