To an outsider, the Taylors are the very picture of the successful American family. Charles is a tenured professor on track to become university president, son Michael is a prolific and well-known romance novelist, and daughter Ryne is poised to enter a prestigious law school. On the day we are introduced to them, matriarch Lisa will graduate from college -- decades after leaving to raise her children. But when a serious accident interrupts the celebration, the far more nuanced reality of this Midwestern family's history and relationships comes to light.