Pulling up stakes for a fresh start in Las Vegas, aspiring singer Reese and daughter Emily are looking forward to the future with optimism. But mom's problem drinking and her struggles to pay the bills threaten the pair's plans for a better life. Frequently cast in the role of mothering her own mother, teenage Emily must learn to hold on to hope in this poignant coming-of-age drama.

The seniors of Herbert Hoover High School hold a prom they will never forget. Popular girl Shelley ditches her date and ends up spending the night with the more unpopular Dan; Kevin the jock goes out with nerdy Angela because he has heard she is easy; Patrice blames her boyfriend Roger for everything that doesn't go the way she wants it to.