Imogene Duncan, portrayed by Kristen Wiig, is a once-promising playwright whose life in New York City has taken a nosedive. After being abruptly dumped by her high-society boyfriend and losing her job, she finds herself spiraling into despair. In a bid for attention, she stages a dramatic suicide attempt, which leads to her being hospitalized under a 5150 hold, only to be rescued by her friend Dara. Upon her release, Imogene is sent back to her childhood home in New Jersey to live with her estranged mother, played by Annette Bening, where she is forced to confront the harsh realities of her past.
As she settles into her old neighborhood, Imogene uncovers a shocking revelation during a conversation between her mother and her new partner, George Bousche. Contrary to what she had been led to believe, her father did not pass away; instead, he abandoned their family to pursue a PhD in New York. This new information ignites a quest for answers, prompting Imogene to sneak into the local library and grab her father's book. She also enlists the help of her mother's boarder, Lee, played by Darren Criss, to assist her in tracking down her estranged father.
However, Imogene soon faces a setback when her access to her apartment is denied and Dara, unwilling to take her in, cuts ties. In an effort to repay Lee for his kindness, Imogene decides to attend one of his Backstreet Boys tribute band performances. This leads to a heartfelt conversation about her stagnating playwriting career. Years prior, she had won a prestigious grant but ultimately failed to produce an actual play, leaving her doubting her creative abilities. Lee encourages her to rediscover her spark and try writing again.
Their conversation rekindles Imogene's excitement for life, leading her back into Lee's orbit as they spend a night exploring the town together and reuniting with her brother, Ralph. As they prepare to return to the city to attend Dara's book launch, the reception Imogene receives is anything but warm. Meanwhile, Ralph finds himself in hot water with the law but is eventually brought to the party by the authorities.
After the awkward launch, Ralph surprises Imogene and Lee with a visit to their father's New York home, where they endure an uncomfortable dinner with their estranged father and his new spouse. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues within their family, forcing Imogene to confront the deep-seated scars that remain unhealed.
Just when it seems like things can't get worse, Imogene receives an unexpected opportunity when her father offers to back her financially to help restart her life. Eager to break free from his grasp, she embarks on a journey back to her mother, determined to leave her troubles behind. However, this brief respite is shattered when a visitor arrives at their home, intent on exacting revenge on George through violent means. In a moment of fierce determination, Imogene dons her brother's cutting-edge human exo-skeleton suit and confronts the would-be assassin with surprising strength.
Throughout this tumultuous journey, Imogene discovers the healing power of creative expression, culminating in the creation of her original play titled Exo-life. Featuring none other than Julia Stiles in a starring role, the production garners a standing ovation, celebrating Imogene's resilience and artistic vision, showcasing the strength she found amid chaos.
