In 1982, a family from Ireland consisting of Johnny (Paddy Considine), Sarah (Samantha Morton), and their daughters Christy (Sarah Bolger) and Ariel (Emma Bolger) arrive in the United States on a tourist visa through Canada, where Johnny had been working as an aspiring actor. They settle into a worn-down tenement in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, surrounded by a cast of eccentric neighbors including a reclusive Nigerian artist and photographer named Mateo Kuamey (Djimon Hounsou). The family's journey is clouded by the emotional weight of their tragic past—the death of their young son Frankie, who succumbed to a brain tumor. This loss profoundly affects Johnny's faith and emotional state, leaving him grappling with his grief and distanced from his family. Meanwhile, Christy feels connected to her late brother, believing she has been granted three wishes that she saves for dire moments of need.
As Sarah takes up work at a local ice cream shop to support the family, Johnny strives to land acting roles, but remains unsuccessful in his pursuits. Despite their financial struggles, the early days in America bring a sense of unity and joy to the family, with Christy capturing their experiences on a cherished camcorder. In search of relief from the sweltering summer heat, the family resorts to their dwindling savings for an outing to see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, seeking both entertainment and cool air. However, with the escalating temperatures come heightened tensions between Johnny and Sarah—complicated further by the news of Sarah's pregnancy.
On Halloween, the girls form a bond with Mateo when they approach his door to trick-or-treat. Though Johnny is initially apprehensive about Mateo's brooding demeanor, Sarah extends an invitation to him for dinner, uncovering the poignant truth of his lonely battle against AIDS. Following a tragic incident in which Mateo collapses, Christy attempts to perform CPR, oblivious to the concerning opinions of other residents regarding Mateo's condition. As Sarah’s pregnancy progresses, their worry grows over the impending birth of their child—especially when complications arise, leading to a premature delivery with escalating medical costs. In a moment of anguish, Sarah lashes out at Johnny, blaming him for Frankie's death, unraveling under the pressure.
With great deliberation, the couple consents to a blood transfusion for their newborn, seeking a safe solution that avoids the “bad blood” associated with Mateo. Miraculously, Christy's blood type matches, allowing her to donate and contribute to saving the baby's life, coinciding with Mateo’s eventual passing. To the family's astonishment, they later learn that Mateo had not only covered their exorbitant hospital bills but was also the beneficiary of a trust fund of considerable wealth.
In a gesture of remembrance, they grant their new daughter the middle name of Mateo. As the family welcomes their newest member and mourns Mateo’s loss, Johnny begins to find closure, ultimately landing a role in A Chorus Line on Broadway. The film culminates in a heartwarming baby shower at their apartment, bringing together many tenants of the building in celebration, as Christy and her family gaze out toward the city and cherish the memory of Mateo in the night sky.
