In 1992, Jonathan Larson, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, presents his rock monologue Tick, Tick... Boom! at the New York Theatre Workshop, supported by his friends, Roger (played by Joshua Henry) and Karessa (portrayed by Vanessa Hudgens). He narrates his internal struggle with a relentless ticking noise echoing in his mind, shaping the story of his life. An unseen narrator highlights that this film is based on Jonathan's true experiences, "except for the parts that [he] made up."
In the early 1990s, Jonathan balances his job at the Moondance Diner in SoHo with the preparation for a workshop of his long-cherished musical, Superbia, which he has been tirelessly crafting for the last eight years. With his 30th birthday looming just over a week away, he feels an urgent pressure to achieve success, believing this workshop could be his last opportunity. During a birthday gathering with friends, including his old roommate Michael (played by Robin De Jesús), his girlfriend Susan (played by Alexandra Shipp), and fellow waiters Freddy (portrayed by Ben Levi Ross) and Carolyn (portrayed by Mj Rodriguez), Jonathan reveals his plan for the workshop, the very first chance others will have to witness his creation.
Susan, a dancer, shares her finding of a teaching position at Jacob's Pillow with Jonathan and encourages him to consider the opportunity, especially as she had altered her full-time plans in theater due to a fractured ankle. Meanwhile, Michael, who had departed from the theater scene to pursue a lucrative career in advertising, encourages Jonathan to explore this opportunity. This would allow him to compose ad jingles, providing financial stability unlike the precarious life of theater.
Under pressure from his producer Ira (played by Jonathan Marc Sherman), Jonathan is tasked with writing a new song for Superbia, yet he struggles under the shadow of his idol Stephen Sondheim (portrayed by Bradley Whitford), who had given him similar direction at a composing workshop years ago. His concentration is further compromised when Carolyn brings distressing news about Freddy, who is hospitalized due to HIV complications, prompting Jonathan to take his place at the diner during a chaotic Sunday brunch.
Superbia tackles a futuristic satire wherein emotions are outlawed, and society is glued to screens, observing the lives of a privileged few. Amidst his artistic struggles, Jonathan finds his relationship with Susan strained. Frustrated by his obsession with success and indecision regarding their future, she decides to break up with him, feeling neglected and put on hold. When Jonathan attends the advertising focus group purely for financial needs, he consciously sabotages his chance, upsetting Michael who wishes for him to prioritize a stable life over financial insecurity.
After receiving a motivational call from his agent Rosa (played by Judith Light), detailing how she has lined up every producer in New York for his workshop, Jonathan attempts to finish a new song the night before. However, his power is cut off, and he wanders off to a swimming pool to channel his frustrations. Ultimately, he does find inspiration for the song.
The day of the workshop arrives, attended by friends, family, and industry professionals, including Сondheim himself. Although Jonathan receives applause, there are no offers to produce Superbia. Encouraged by Rosa to persevere despite rejection, Jonathan seeks support from Michael, who, after witnessing the workshop's success, reassures him about staying in musical theater, even revealing his own HIV-positive status.
Having realized his career fixation has cost him Susan and strained his friendship with Michael, Jonathan roams through New York, reflecting on his life choices before reconciling with Michael. On the morning of his 30th birthday, an uplifting call from Sondheim rekindles his spirits, followed by a celebratory gathering at the diner, where he learns Freddy will soon be discharged from the hospital.
Although Susan gifts him sheet music to aid his goals and amicably parts ways with him, she later narrates Jonathan's journey post-Superbia. His next project would develop into Rent, which enjoyed a successful 12-year run on Broadway. Ultimately, she recounts the tragic early death of Jonathan from an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm, occurring the night before Rent's Off-Broadway previews, at just 35 years old. Despite the absence of recognition in his lifetime, his legacy continues. In 1992, Jonathan performs the final number from Tick, Tick... Boom!, filled with optimism as he gazes toward an uncertain but hopeful future.
