The film begins in a vibrant California dive bar where Ricki (Meryl Streep), a middle-aged woman, captivates the crowd with her band, "The Flash." Her romantic relationship with guitarist Greg (Rick Springfield) adds a lively dynamic, much to the amusement of the audience, especially the flamboyant bartender. Responding to a younger crowd's request, Ricki attempts to perform Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," showcasing her versatility.
However, the atmosphere shifts when Ricki receives a phone call from her ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline), informing her that their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) has suffered a mental breakdown following a separation from her husband. Despite her financial constraints, working at a grocery store and barely scraping by, Ricki manages to gather enough funds to fly out to Indianapolis.
Upon arrival at Pete’s well-kept home, she finds it a stark contrast to her own life. There, she meets Julie, who is in a disheveled state, avoiding her mother's attention. As we delve deeper into Ricki's past, it's revealed that she left her family to pursue rock stardom, abandoning not just Julie, but also her two sons—Joshua and Daniel. Family dinner arrangements take a turn when the children express their unease around Ricki, highlighting the rifts created by her absence. Julie’s revealing comments ignite further tension, particularly when Ricki unintentionally offends Daniel’s new fiancée.
The situation intensifies when Ricki discovers that Julie's mental state is even more concerning, as she attempts to take her own life. The next day, in a bid to uplift Julie, Ricki takes her out for breakfast, inadvertently skipping a therapy session. With determination, she manages to get Julie cleaned up, and they venture out together, leading to a confrontation with Julie’s unfaithful husband at a bar—a moment of catharsis for both Ricki and Pete.
After a heartfelt evening of reminiscing over Ricki’s past music career, they share a fleeting yet passionate moment, only for Ricki to wake up the next morning as Pete’s current wife Maureen (played by Audra McDonald) returns home, ramping up the already palpable tension. Maureen confronts Ricki about influencing Julie’s therapy attendance and demands she leave their home.
Returning to her daily life in Los Angeles, Ricki struggles with her fear of commitment towards Greg. The film brings her past to light, including personal losses that shape her perspectives. A letter from Maureen proposes reconciliation and invites Ricki to the wedding of Daniel, her son. Though strapped for cash, Greg sells a guitar to fund their trip to the wedding.
At the actual event, Ricki feels isolated despite dressing more conservatively. Moments of joy arise as her children express gratitude for her presence, although tensions linger with Daniel’s wife. During the reception, Ricki stands to toast the couple, delivering an authentic speech about love and family, culminating in her performing a song for them. This act ignites a collective dance as the younger guests start to join, breaking the emotional barriers.
In capturing this herculean journey, Ricki finds an emotional connection with her family, allowing her to be authentic and truly accepted for the first time, while the closing credits play over the lively music of "The Flash."
