Guy Trilby, a 40-year-old man with a penchant for mischief, discovers a loophole in the rules of a national spelling bee and decides to compete against middle school students. Despite his age and the obvious age gap, Guy manages to exploit this regulatory oversight and secures his place in the competition, causing outrage among parents, organizers, and participants alike. Accompanied by a journalist named Jenny Widgeon, who is desperate to uncover the reasons behind his peculiar quest, Guy maneuvers through the rounds with a surprising level of skill and determination.

As the competition heats up, Guy forms an unlikely friendship with a young contestant named Chaitanya Chopra, an overly polite and charming boy who is curious about Guy's unconventional behavior. Their bond grows as they share adventures and misadventures outside of the spelling bee, leading to moments of humor and unexpected depth. Guy's abrasive nature starts to soften as he navigates his relationship with Chaitanya, but his true motives remain elusive. The unfolding connections and personal revelations gradually peel back the layers of Guy's character, revealing the deeper reasons behind his unorthodox participation in the spelling bee.