Lillian is a budding artist in Brooklyn whose world shifts when her father abruptly moves to Paris with his girlfriend. After her boyfriend Nate dumps her for what he sees as immaturity and a lack of direction, Lillian moves in with family friends Julia and Don, hoping for some stability and a fresh start.
Don, a warm and friendly musician, lives alongside Julia, a famous yet reclusive novelist who immediately clashes with Lilian. A heated argument sparks tension, and soon Don disappears. Julia withdraws to her room and begins communicating with Lilian through messages written in Lilian's private journal, blurring the lines between reality and Lilian’s growing curiosity.
In an effort to win Julia’s favor, Lilian claims she is working on a documentary about Julia. She begins scouting for cameramen and uses her father’s connections to reach out to renowned writers, interviewing them about Julia in an attempt to craft a compelling portrait.
While interviewing Jonathan Ames, Lilian learns that her father is back in New York City but has not contacted her directly. She also discovers that Julia has been treating her as a potential source of inspiration—and that she has used Lilian as such before, even when she was a child.
The truth comes to light when Julia accidentally discovers Lilian’s documentary plans after a late meeting with her cameraman, Sol, who eagerly shares everything. Julia responds by cutting off all communication with Lilian, leaving her to grapple with the sudden loneliness of being shut out.
Depressed, Lilian turns her attention toward Julia’s reclusive dog walker, George, and makes an awkward advance that goes nowhere when George rebuffs her advances.
Lilian eventually reconnects with her father, who does not reveal that he and his girlfriend are now engaged and expecting a child—a detail Lilian has already heard through others. This revelation complicates her sense of belonging and fuels the desire to mend fences.
Seeking forgiveness, Lilian decides to apologize to Julia and even faces reading Julia’s most famous work, Good Posture, hoping to understand the artist behind the reclusiveness. Lilian also finds work and begins planning a way forward, eventually preparing to leave Julia’s home as a new chapter awaits.
Before she departs, Julia grants Lilian entry into her room, a quiet gesture that hints at forgiveness or, at least, a pause in the conflict. The next morning, Lilian witnesses Julia walking her dog—an ordinary moment that contrasts with the earlier intensity. Julia then meets Don, and the two walk toward the subway together, while Lilian heads off in the opposite direction, each person continuing along a path shaped by the fragile, evolving connections around them.
