Sixteen-year-old Cole's (Michael Angarano) struggle for independence is put to the test as his family implodes around him. Older brother Terry (Tom Guiry) is descending into a life of drugs and crime and his father, Desmond, (Brendan Gleeson) spends his days in a fog of alcohol and self-pity. The one thing keeping young Cole's head above water is his love of sport. A talented athlete, Cole must overcome self-doubt and family indifference in order to get into the state championships, but to get there he must make a life and death decision that will change his family forever.