Mia Hall, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, begins her touching story by reflecting on the legacy of Beethoven, who, despite being deaf at 26, passionately pursued his dreams of composing music. This inspiration fuels Mia's own ambition to excel as a cellist. Living in Portland, Oregon, with her parents, Denny (played by Joshua Leonard) and Kat (portrayed by Mireille Enos), along with her younger brother Teddy, Mia is surrounded by a unique family history. Denny once performed in a band called Nasty Bruises, while Kat, a former punk rocker, has transitioned into a career as a travel agent. One day, Mia comes across a newspaper featuring her ex-boyfriend, Adam (Jamie Blackley), who is on tour with his band, opening for The Shins.
The narrative unfolds with flashbacks revealing how Mia first met Adam during high school. Observing her play the cello after class, he approaches her, intrigued by a sticker on her locker that reads “I Love Yo Yo Ma.” Their budding relationship blossoms when Mia accepts his invitation to a concert, marking the beginning of a profound connection.
As Mia anxiously awaits an acceptance letter from Juilliard while heavy snow blankets the city, her parents suggest a drive where she plays Beethoven. This moment prompts nostalgic memories of her father's band and her own discovery of the cello in second grade. Tragically, their joy is shattered when a car swerves and collides with theirs.
In a heart-wrenching out-of-body experience, Mia watches as paramedics work to save her and her family. With desperate calls for her loved ones, she climbs into the ambulance, seeking solace near her own body. The story shifts through poignant flashbacks of Mia and Adam's relationship milestones, from their first date, where she experiences a bee sting handled with care by Adam, to their Halloween party where Mia attempts to fit into Adam's world by dressing as Deborah Harry.
Meanwhile, Mia's journey in the hospital reveals the devastating impact of the accident. She learns of her parents’ deaths and worries for her brother Teddy’s fate. As she grapples with the life-changing news, the memories of her aspirations—such as her Juilliard audition—are intertwined with feelings of loss and heartache.
Despite their struggles, Mia and Adam's bond initially remains strong, contemplating a future together after high school. However, they face communication barriers and misunderstandings as the pressure mounts. As Mia navigates through the hospital's turmoil and heartbreak, her friend Kim and Adam both yearn to be by her side, showcasing the intensity of their relationships.
While Mia ultimately confronts the reality of her situation, she finds strength through her memories and the unwavering support from her loved ones. Through moments of joy, such as her performance at a Labor Day party, and profound sorrow, she braves the journey towards recovery.
In a poignant moment between Mia and Adam, he opens a letter from Juilliard, revealing Mia’s acceptance—all while pledging to follow her to New York if that is her choice. In the climactic finale, Mia's life flashes before her eyes as Adam plays a heartfelt song he composed for her, leading to a moment of hope as, amidst the silence, she finally opens her eyes and sees Adam calling her name.
