The story centers on a Jewish family from California, the Naumanns, who seem to lead a normal and seemingly peaceful life. However, as the plot unfolds, it is revealed that each member faces their own internal challenges and personal conflicts. The family's life takes an unexpected turn when young Eliza discovers a surprising talent for spelling competitions. This discovery not only highlights her remarkable ability but also acts as a catalyst that transforms family dynamics.
As Eliza prepares to participate in an important spelling bee, her father, a rabbi, finds himself immersed in his own crisis of faith, struggling to balance his religious conviction with the pressures of everyday life. Meanwhile, the older brother, who is grappling with his identity and his role within the family, gets pulled into a series of questionable decisions. As each one searches for their path, the spelling competition becomes the perfect setting to explore their fears, frustrations, and desires.
The relationships among them become strained as they all try to understand what familial connection truly means. With a poetic visual design and an emotional narrative, the film delves into themes such as spirituality, the search for identity, and the complexity of human relationships, while illustrating how, at times, one person's talent can illuminate the darkness of others.