As the spring thaw of 1974 breathes new life into Madison, Pennsylvania, Vada Sultenfuss has transformed from an anxious 11-year-old hypochondriac into a reflective and thoughtful teenager. Her father, Harry's domestic situation has changed significantly following his remarriage to Shelly DeVoto, a character from his past. The Sultenfuss residence, which also serves as a funeral parlor, is bustling with anticipation as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby. To accommodate this joyful change, Vada is reluctantly forced to leave her childhood bedroom, heightening her frustration as Harry attempts to guide her through the turbulent waters of adolescence.
Vada's social life is rife with complications and unreciprocated feelings. She harbors emotions for Kevin, a classmate who seems to be interested in asking her friend Judy out, yet he might actually have eyes for Vada. Despite Harry's and Shelly's well-meaning advice regarding matters of the heart, their attempts fall short against Vada's insecurities.
When tasked with writing an essay about someone she admires but has never personally known, Vada chooses her late mother, Margaret Ann Muldovan (Maggie). However, the assignment poses a significant challenge due to the scant information about Maggie's life. The remnants of her mother's existence are few—faded playbills, an old passport, and a mysterious paper bag with a scrawled date—each item igniting Vada's imagination.
To assist Vada in this emotional quest, Shelly proposes a five-day trip to Los Angeles during spring break, where Vada can stay with her uncle Phil and explore Maggie's past in the city where she grew up. After some initial reluctance, Harry agrees to let Vada embark on this journey, though he remains apprehensive.
Upon arrival in LA, Vada is met not by Phil, but by Nick, the son of Phil's girlfriend Rose, who introduces her to a vibrant family dynamic centered around their garage repair shop. As Vada settles into her new surroundings, she begins to uncover the complexities of her uncle's relationships and his struggles with commitment. Nick quickly becomes a valuable companion as they set out to learn more about Maggie's history, taking Vada on an eye-opening tour of the city.
Driven by her desire to uncover her mother's past, Vada initially aims to visit Maggie's high school, only to discover it has been reduced to ashes by a fire. Undeterred, she and Nick delve into Maggie's life, sifting through old yearbooks and meeting various individuals who knew her mother, including a police officer, a photographer, and a film director. An encounter with Vada's favorite poet, Alfred Beidermeyer, also proves pivotal, offering a sobering perspective on the challenges of pursuing a career as a writer.
As they traverse the city's iconic sites under the stars, Vada's rebellious spirit leads her to get her ears pierced, leaving Nick bewildered. This adventure ultimately unearths unexpected revelations about her mother.
What Vada uncovers shakes her to her core—her mother had a complicated life filled with secrets. From being suspended from school for smoking to being previously married to Jeffrey Pommeroy, each discovery leaves Vada questioning her own identity and familial ties. In her search for clarity, she reaches out to the police to locate Jeffrey, who provides essential insights about Maggie's past.
A heartfelt home video Jeffrey shares opens a window into Maggie's younger days, revealing clues about Vada's family history linked to the date on the enigmatic paper bag. With Jeffrey reassuring her that he is not her father and confirming that Harry has always been the steady figure in her life, Vada starts to come to terms with the complexities of her lineage.
Simultaneously, Phil finds himself in a tug-of-war for Rose's affection as a charming stranger tries to woo her at the repair shop. In a moment of courage, Phil finally conveys his feelings, proposing to Rose in a touching gesture.
As Vada prepares to return home, a bittersweet farewell unfolds at the airport where she shares a tender kiss with Nick. Afterward, she rushes to the hospital to meet her new half-brother, soothing his cries by singing "Smile," a song reminiscent of her mother’s voice from the home movie.
This transformative experience profoundly impacts Vada, who comes back enriched with a deeper understanding of her family's intricate history. Her essay garners an A+, igniting a hope in Vada that she can one day share the invaluable lessons learned during her journey with her brother, strengthening their bond for years to come.
