In Brooklyn during the 1980s, a dysfunctional family unravels as its members struggle with personal and relational issues. Bernard Berkman, a once-promising novelist turned bitter academic, and his wife Joan, an emerging writer, are going through a tumultuous separation. Their two sons, Walt and Frank, become collateral damage in this marital catastrophe. Walt idolizes his father and adopts his arrogant demeanor, while Frank is more sensitive, aligning closely with his mother. The boys oscillate between their parents' homes, each coping differently with the upheaval. Bernard's pretentiousness and Joan's newfound independence clash, pushing the family further apart.

As the parents vie for the loyalty and affection of their children, the emotional instability escalates. Walt begins to plagiarize songs to gain attention and approval, while Frank engages in troubling behavior, signaling his need for help. Both kids struggle academically and socially, reflecting the chaos at home. The strained family dynamic spotlights the lingering effects of Bernard and Joan's competitive natures and flawed personalities on their unsuspecting children, forever altering their views on love and relationships. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of familial bonds and human frailties, leaving each character to confront their own shortcomings amidst the turmoil.