Lester Burnham is going through a midlife crisis. He is weighed down by a tedious job and the emotional distance within his family. His life changes after meeting young Angela, his daughter's friend. An obsession with the girl drives Lester to challenge his routine. He changes his habits and tries to rediscover his zest for life. However, the pursuit of freedom and the search for beauty in a world of pretense turn into an unexpected tragedy for everyone.