Lifted

Henry is bullied after school, so he seeks refuge in the Baptist Church. There, Pastor John notices his singing talent while they play worship songs on the piano. He gives Henry a flyer for the Alabama Teen Star Quest in Birmingham.

William's Reserve unit is activated and deployed to Afghanistan, leaving Henry behind. Henry continues to send songs to his father to listen to back home. The separation marks a turning point in Henry's family life.

With mortgage unpaid, the family moves into Lisa's father's trailer while William is away. Lisa's dad harbors hostility toward Henry's music. Henry skips school and the family struggles to maintain stability.

Lisa tries to stay sober but goes to a neighbor for a drink, breaking her promise to William. Henry watches from his window as his mother uses drugs. He unplugs his headphones, realizing the danger at home.

Lisa's dad hits Henry for listening to his music and for skipping school. Henry resolves to enter the Alabama Teen Star Quest in Birmingham, choosing to go whether his father approves or not. He secretly plans the trip, hoping to be accepted.

Henry runs away from home and hitchhikes to Birmingham to enter the singing contest. He travels alone, carrying his songs and his dream. The journey marks a breaking point in his relationship with his mother.

William returns home to find Henry missing and his mother in a vulnerable state. He travels to Birmingham and joins Henry on stage, performing together at the competition. The reconciliation on stage becomes a pivotal moment.

Henry advances far in the competition and is covered by local news. Lisa's dad sees the coverage and recognizes Henry's talent. The family heads to Birmingham to confront Henry's future.

Henry is told his father died three months earlier, stunning him. He looks at his dad onstage, who reveals that no one else can see him. The moment confirms that William's spirit has been guiding him all along.

William's friend at his unit reads a letter William gave him, which tells him to help Henry in the competition if William dies. The friend's remote channel breaks as he contemplates the note, creating a thread of auxiliary support.

Back at the competition, Henry can't sing in the absence of his father's presence. The judges eliminate him, but another singer quits, allowing Henry to keep competing. The moment buys him one more opportunity to prove himself.

Henry and his ally, William's friend, win the competition and are offered a chance to meet with a record company in Los Angeles. The win marks the start of a potential music career and honors William's memory.