In Los Angeles during the mid-1990s, thirteen-year-old Stevie grapples with finding his place in a tumultuous world. Living with his single mother Dabney and abusive older brother Ian, Stevie feels trapped by his home life. Yearning for acceptance, he discovers a newfound sense of belonging after befriending a group of slightly older skateboarders who frequent a local skate shop. Among them are Ray, the group's de facto leader, his amiable best friend "Fuckshit," budding filmmaker Fourth Grade, and hot-headed Ruben. Stevie quickly finds himself drawn into their tight-knit community, embraced by the group's camaraderie and rebellious lifestyle.

Stevie's immersion in the skateboarding scene becomes a pivotal escape from the violence and isolation he faces at home. His new friends expose him to adventures and mischief, all the while guiding him through the rites of passage of adolescence, such as underage drinking, smoking, and skating techniques. Through these experiences, Stevie begins to discover who he is and assert his identity. The bond he forms with the skaters offers a fleeting respite from his troubled family life, charting the course for his journey toward self-discovery and maturity. However, as Stevie delves deeper into this new world, he faces challenges and choices that will define his transition from boyhood to adolescence.