In the sun-drenched suburbs of New Jersey during the dynamic 1960s, a close-knit group of friends fueled by their shared aspirations embark on a journey to form a rock band with the ambition of achieving fame. As they embrace the spirit of youth and creativity, Doug Damiano (John Magaro) grapples with the intricate dynamics of his family life. His father, Pat—battling with psoriasis—struggles to find his footing, while his mother, Antoinette, experiences bouts of hysteria and suicidal thoughts, and his sister, Evelyn, remains a steadfast presence amid the turmoil.
As Doug nears the end of his teenage years, he becomes captivated by the dazzling performances of Gene Gaunt (Jack Huston), the charismatic lead guitarist at his high school. This ignites within him a driving determination to join the band, fueled not only by a desire to prove his worth but also to capture the heart of the alluring Grace Dietz. An unexpected opportunity presents itself when Schindewulf, the band’s drummer, is drafted and deployed to Vietnam.
In the wake of the British Invasion, Gene cultivates an obsession with reshaping the band into a reflection of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, viewing Doug as the ideal candidate for this rebranding. With Doug's innate talent, everything begins to take shape following the departure of their awkward bassist, establishing the core trio of Doug, Gene, and their friend Wells (Will Brill), who handles rhythm guitar while Doug steps into the roles of drummer and backup vocalist.
A turning point occurs when Gene accidentally consumes a joint at a party, leaving him unable to perform his singing duties. Without hesitation, Doug takes the lead, instantly winning over the band members with his vocal prowess. This unexpected shift, however, stirs feelings of insecurity in Gene, propelling him to cling tightly to his position in the spotlight.
In a poignant moment, Doug confides to his father about his aspirations to enlist and pursue an ROTC scholarship, plans that are ultimately derailed as the Vietnam War intensifies. Choosing instead to immerse himself in music, Doug's decision strains his relationship with Pat.
As the band begins to rise in popularity, so does Doug’s involvement with Grace. Nevertheless, their romance falters when Wells reveals shocking information about Grace’s past—specifically her sexual history—which leads to a heated dispute where Grace unjustly accuses Doug of infidelity with her sister, Joy.
Meanwhile, in a misguided attempt to cope with the war, Gene engages in a comedic yet disastrous stunt involving firecrackers during a performance, resulting in a comedic yet humiliating incident that leaves him scorched. When Doug confronts Gene to remove him from the band, a violent altercation erupts until their father steps in to break it up.
As Joy faces institutionalization, Doug reunites with the heartbroken Grace, igniting their romance anew. In a surprising turn, Pat learns that his psoriasis diagnosis was actually a symptom of mycosis fungoides cancer, leading to a newfound compassion as he opens up and shares family secrets during a dinner with Doug.
By 1967, Doug and Wells seizing an opportunity to audition for the famed Jerry Ragovoy, with Gene returning on the condition that he receives credit for their original song, "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre." Ragovoy sees potential but insists on a demanding practice schedule to prepare the band for a record deal. His mantra—> "ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration"—echoes Pat’s earlier advice to Doug. Yet, the band hesitates, unsure if they can meet the expectations.
However, fate has other plans when Wells suffers a motorcycle accident, delaying their record deal for another year. This unforeseen event shakes Doug's enthusiasm for the rock 'n roll scene, prompting him to pursue film school in California. In Hollywood, he attends a vibrant party where he notably spots Charlie Watts before hearing rumors of Mick Jagger hiding in the bathroom, though the authenticity of this claim remains unverified.
As Doug attempts to hitchhike back home, a quirky woman offers him a ride, sensing his loneliness. He declines, choosing instead to admire the lively city around him and finding solace in the illuminated clouds that once inspired him. A wave of contentment washes over him as he strolls along the bustling streets.
In the meantime, Evelyn finds herself immersed in her thoughts as she wanders down the same lively boulevard, pondering her essay on America's groundbreaking innovations: nuclear weapons and rock 'n roll. She whimsically wonders which of these two forces will ultimately dominate, then bursts into dance to the Sex Pistols’ rendition of "Roadrunner," celebrating life in a bustling environment.
