Somewhere in Queens

In the vibrant neighborhood of Queens, New York, we are introduced to the Russo family. The family consists of mild-mannered Leo, his devoted wife Angela, and their 18-year-old son Matthew, affectionately known as Sticks.

At 18 years old, Sticks finds himself caught between his father's reserved nature and his own passion for basketball. This conflict sets the stage for the family's exploration of dreams and expectations.

Angela, the mother, grapples with the aftermath of her breast cancer treatment from five years ago. Her struggle with her health influences her hesitance to attend group therapy sessions.

Sticks begins dating Dani, who is determined to save money from her waitressing job for a post-high school road trip. Dani's enthusiasm brings new energy to Sticks' life, despite Angela's early reservations about her.

The Russo family gathers for their traditional Sunday dinner, where Leo expresses excitement about Sticks' potential college opportunities. This moment becomes tense when Sticks' grandfather, Pops, insists that Sticks should take over the family construction business.

During the Sunday dinner, Dani skillfully challenges Pops' views about Sticks' future by urging him to consider the situation from a business perspective. This unexpected confrontation showcases the generational divide in the family.

The family visits Drexel University for a pivotal interview that could secure Sticks a scholarship. The anticipation for Sticks wearing the Dragons' jersey is soon overshadowed by the emotional turmoil of a recent breakup with Dani.

Heartache strikes when Sticks reveals that Dani has broken up with him, overwhelmed by his emotional intensity. This revelation deeply impacts Sticks and sets the stage for further familial challenges.

Determined to provide support, Leo tries to help Sticks cope with the emotional fallout of his breakup. Leo persuades Dani to pretend they are reconciling, aiming to protect Sticks during a crucial time.

Amidst the family's attempts to manage their emotions, Angela mistakenly believes that Dani is being unfaithful. Her fears about losing time with Sticks due to her health concerns fuel misunderstandings.

Despite the rising tensions and emotional struggles, Sticks shines during his basketball tryout, securing a full-ride scholarship to Drexel University. This achievement brings both pride and relief to his parents.

In an unexpected twist, Sticks announces that he no longer wishes to pursue the scholarship. This decision represents his journey toward becoming true to himself rather than conforming to family expectations.

As time passes, Leo works to reconnect with his family and gain insights into empathy and understanding. This newfound awareness helps him support Sticks through his personal journey.

Sticks embarks on a new path, developing a passion for spoken word poetry at Queensborough Community College. This creative outlet allows him to express his experiences and emotions more authentically.

The emotional climax occurs at Sticks' first poetry recital, where he invites his parents to witness his performance. He encapsulates the family's journey with a touching quote from Rocky, marking a moment of closure and fresh beginnings.