Little Miss Sunshine

During a tense family dinner, it is revealed that Frank, a gay professor and Proust scholar, has attempted suicide. His romantic feelings were rejected by an academic rival, plunging him into despair and revealing the tension in the family dynamic.

Olive, a seven-year-old girl, shares her excitement about an upcoming beauty pageant routine she’s preparing with her grandfather. Despite her unconventional looks for a pageant contestant, Olive's passion for performing shines through as she talks about her previous success.

The family gets a voicemail from Olive’s aunt informing them that the previous winner of the beauty pageant has withdrawn. This unexpected twist grants Olive a spot in the prestigious Little Miss Sunshine pageant in California, filling her family with hope.

The family decides to embark on the journey to California in their classic Volkswagen micro-bus. Despite initial hesitations and logistical discussions, Olive’s excitement inspires the family, and they join her in the adventure.

During the drive, the family shares personal secrets. Grandpa Edwin reveals he was expelled from his retirement facility for drug use, while Dwayne, Olive's brother, reveals his vow of silence for nine months as he dreams of joining the Air Force.

The family faces mechanical trouble with their micro-bus during their journey. They must work together to push-start the vehicle, all while tensions rise due to personal disappointments, including Richard's failed book deal and Frank's awkward encounters.

The family stops for the night at a motel, where Olive confides in Grandpa about her fears regarding the pageant. He comforts her with reassurances, while tension rises between Richard and Sheryl over his failed book deal.

The next morning reveals devastating news as the family finds out that Grandpa Edwin has passed away in his sleep. They rush to the hospital only to learn he died from a heroin overdose, shattering their hopes with grief.

In an audacious move to honor Grandpa, Richard decides to transport his body in the micro-bus while they drive to the beauty pageant. As the vehicle malfunctions and honks incessantly, the family grapples with their grief and the absurdity of their situation.

During their chaotic journey, the family manages to evade a state trooper who stumbles upon Edwin's porn stash hidden in the bus. Their comedic escapade highlights the absurd circumstances they face on the way to the pageant.

As the family nears California, Dwayne finds out that he is colorblind, shattering his dream of becoming a test pilot. This revelation forces him to confront his frustrations, yet Olive's support helps him to find solace in their sibling bond.

Upon arriving at the pageant venue, chaos ensues as the family realizes they missed the sign-up time. Despite the confusion, Olive is graciously accepted to compete, showcasing her determination and family's support.

As the pageant begins, Richard's anxiety for Olive grows. Despite the overwhelming environment, Olive's moment arrives, where she performs a cheeky strip-burlesque dance dedicated to Grandpa, completely unaware of the shock it brings to the audience.

Despite the initial shock from her performance, Olive's family stands up to show unwavering support for her unique expression. This moment unifies the family, celebrating Olive's individuality amidst societal expectations.

After facing the consequences of Olive’s bold act at the police precinct, the family departs together with a newfound closeness. They push-start their micro-bus once more, ready to drive into the sunset filled with fresh confidence back towards Albuquerque.