In the nuanced exploration of the strained relationship between English professor Charles and his son Michael, a successful author, the narrative unfolds through a complex web of push-pull dynamics established over numerous years. We see the foundations of their tumultuous bond in a memorable road trip from Michael's childhood, during which young Michael cleverly hides his glasses only to be met with punishment from his father, forcing him to trek home in the rain.
As the years roll on, this tit-for-tat rivalry continues unabated, with each family member trying to outmaneuver the other. Adding layers to this already intricate relationship is Jane, the much younger sister of Charles's wife, Lisa, who moves in while Lisa prepares for the arrival of a new baby. The situation is further complicated with the birth of Michael's younger brother, Ryne. Jane’s growing bond with Michael enhances the tension between father and son, sparking new conflicts.
The young author's attempt to impress his father's colleagues by falsely claiming authorship of the poem "Fireflies in the Garden" by Robert Frost escalates into a series of events culminating in a humiliating punishment from Charles. Fortunately, Jane’s silent support brings a ray of hope as she provides comfort to Michael during this turbulent time.
With the passage of time, the struggles between Charles and Michael reach a critical point, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Charles must confront his own flaws. The story then shifts to the present, with Ryne, now a college senior, picking Michael up from the airport while their father and stepmother, Lisa, leave to celebrate her graduation.
In a reckless moment, Charles swerves to avoid hitting Christopher, Jane's son, resulting in a tragic car accident that takes Lisa’s life and leaves Charles severely injured. Amid the chaotic aftermath, Michael tries to console both Christopher and Leslie, Jane's daughter, by sharing cherished memories of their mother.
As he navigates this challenging new world, Michael seeks comfort in reconnecting with the children through familiar activities, including fishing with firecrackers — a pastime shared with Jane during his youth. However, the lie he convinces them to tell about their fishing trip complicates matters further, straining his relationships with both Jane and Charles.
The situation worsens as Michael's noisy reunion with his ex-wife, Kelly, recently sober but grappling with alcoholism, disturbs the grieving family. With simmering tensions, Michael becomes vulnerable to Christopher's grief and attempts to reassure him that he is not at fault for his mother’s death. Yet, Christopher chooses solitude, walking home and disappearing for hours. Jane’s accusations against Michael lead him to realize that Christopher has gone to visit his mother’s grave, triggering events that demand Michael confront the intricate nature of his own relationships, revealing hidden truths.
As Michael embarks on a deeply personal writing project inspired by Robert Frost's poem, he unveils a Pandora's box of his past, filled with tightly-held secrets that threaten the facade of his seemingly perfect upbringing. Notable among these revelations are hints of Charles's questionable behavior with a student during Lisa's pregnancy and the immense sorrow he felt after her death. At the same time, as Michael anticipates the arrival of new life, the joy he feels is palpable, captured in a rare home movie featuring a radiant pregnant Lisa and Charles.
Jane then emerges as a pivotal figure in reuniting Charles and Michael, facilitating a much-needed reconciliation that encourages profound changes within Michael. As Michael and Kelly reaffirm their commitment to each other and excitedly share news of her impending pregnancy, a heartfelt moment occurs between Michael, Kelly, and Ryne. He reveals his fondness for the name "Max," a moving tribute to Lisa, whose memory continues to illuminate their lives.
