The story begins with Cristina Moreno applying to Princeton University, sharing her childhood experiences in her college essay. Her mother, Flor Moreno (Paz Vega), is a struggling, single Mexican mother who works as a housekeeper for the affluent American family of John (Adam Sandler) and Deborah Clasky (Téa Leoni). Their family includes their children, Bernice (Sarah Steele) and Georgie (Ian Hayland), along with Deborah's alcoholic mother, Evelyn Wright (Cloris Leachman), a former jazz singer.
Flor, who has limited English proficiency, keeps her daughter Cristina (Shelbie Bruce) a secret from the Claskys. As the summer sets in, Flor is called to work around the clock at the Claskys’ summer residence. To bridge the communication gap, Deborah hires a neighbor as an interpreter, eventually inviting Cristina to stay at their home. With Cristina interpreting for her mother, Deborah is drawn to her and begins to treat her like a daughter—taking her on shopping trips, styling her hair, and enrolling her in a private school—giving her love that she often withholds from Bernice.
This shift troubles Flor as she fears that Cristina will lose touch with her Mexican roots and values. She grows increasingly frustrated with Deborah’s overstepping, which John acknowledges but struggles to resolve. Tensions rise when Flor discovers that John has given Cristina over $600 for a minor chore; in a moment of anger, she threatens to quit, but John persuades her to stay for Cristina's sake.
Determined to communicate better, Flor starts learning English and finds herself growing closer to John, who is also grappling with Deborah's selfish nature. Meanwhile, Evelyn, now sober, understands that her daughter's infidelity threatens her marriage, urging Deborah to reconsider her choices and warning her about losing John's love.
In a heartfelt confession, Deborah admits her betrayal to John, prompting him to leave. He later provides Flor a ride, during which they share a deeply personal connection over a meal he prepares. Eventually, Flor decides to resign and return home, devastating Cristina, who had formed a bond with the Claskys. On their journey home, Flor informs Cristina that she can no longer attend private school, leading to a dramatic outburst from Cristina, who feels her life is falling apart.
Frustrated, Flor confronts Cristina with an essential question regarding her identity: “Is what you want for yourself to become someone very different than me?” This prompts Cristina to think deeply on the bus ride home, leading to a moment of reconciliation between them.
The film beautifully wraps up with Cristina reflecting as an adult, realizing that her happiness and identity are rooted in the undeniable bond she shares with her mother, affirming the enduring love and influence Flor has had on her life.
