Tom Wingo, a disillusioned and unemployed teacher and football coach from South Carolina, travels to New York City to support his sister, Savannah, who has attempted suicide. He meets Susan Lowenstein, Savannah's psychiatrist, and reluctantly agrees to help her understand their troubled family history in the hope of aiding his sister's recovery. Tom gradually unveils harrowing details of their childhood, revealing the deep scars left by their abusive parents and the violent events they endured. As he spends more time with Susan, he begins to confront his own painful memories and emotional traumas that he has long been avoiding.

Susan and Tom develop a complex relationship, intertwining their professional sessions with personal connections and mutual support. They help each other navigate their troubled pasts, finding solace and understanding in their shared vulnerabilities. Tom's journey through therapy not only aims to save his sister but also facilitates his own healing process. Through his recounting of the past and the growing bond with Susan, he slowly rebuilds his strength and reconciles with his emotions, ultimately seeking redemption and a possibility for a better future. Nonetheless, the challenges they face and the depth of their emotional struggles are profound, reflecting the complexity of healing old wounds.