In a heartfelt voice-over, Henry Page (Austin Abrams), a diligent high school senior with aspirations of becoming a writer, shares his relatively normal life. He hopes to become the editor of the school newspaper but is taken aback when the principal, Mr. Sharma (Adhir Kalyan), introduces him to a new transfer student, Grace Town (Lili Reinhart), who uses a cane. The principal believes that the two talented writers would make an excellent editorial duo; however, Grace dismisses the idea and leaves.

After the awkward meeting, Henry misses his bus. Grace, surprisingly generous, offers him a ride home and admits her reluctance to drive, allowing Henry to take the wheel. During the ride, she hands him a book of Neruda poems and remarks on his family’s luxurious house compared to her own modest living situation. At home, his family—his older sister Suds (Sarah Jones), his father Toby (Bruce Altman), and his mother Gloria (Meg Gibson)—celebrates his appointment as editor.

Mr. Sharma later informs Henry that Grace has changed her mind and will now join the newspaper team, although she insists on accepting only the assistant editor position. As they brainstorm themes for their final issue, Grace reveals her intention not to write but to edit. Henry’s fascination with Grace deepens when they bond over poetry, but he continues to miss his bus, leading to another car ride home together. Grace ultimately walks back to her place, followed by Henry, who notices someone picking up her car—a man.

As the two hang out more frequently, Grace takes Henry to a secluded cotton mill, where she opens up about her past, sharing details of her recovery after a tragic car accident. Grace reveals that she was previously in a relationship with Dominic Sawyer, who tragically died in the same wreck that left her injured. As Henry tries to support her, he discovers more about her tragic past, leading to a mix of emotions.

Their relationship becomes complicated as Grace struggles with her feelings for Dominic while also developing a connection with Henry. After a Halloween party, during which they share intimate moments, Grace’s past resurfaces—catalyzed by a song that reminds her of Dominic, prompting her to run away in distress. As they navigate through their shared pain, Henry encourages her to confront her feelings, leading to a deeper exploration of their relationship.

However, a turn of events unfolds when Henry learns more about Grace’s living situation with Dominic’s family, which complicates his feelings even further. Torn between wanting to help Grace move forward and feeling hurt by her connection to her past, Henry seeks comfort from his sister Suds. He gradually understands that these feelings of heartbreak and withdrawal are part of the healing process.

The climax arrives when Henry learns from Martin, a family friend, that Grace is missing. He finds her at their secret pond, distraught and reminiscing about the accident. In this emotionally charged moment, they both confront their pain, leading Grace to let go of her past by surrendering some of Dominic’s possessions into the water.

As the school year progresses, Grace steps back from the newspaper to focus on her healing, while Henry reflects on his experiences as a teenager. Their paths diverge but not without promise; as they discuss their futures, Grace shares her plan for a year of therapy, and Henry is heading to college. Their goodbye is tender, filled with hope and understanding, encapsulating their journey through grief, growth, and resilience. Ultimately, Henry discovers a profound message in Grace’s poem, symbolizing their intertwined yet individual journeys. As he leaves school on the last day, missing the bus once more, he finds comfort in the companionship of his friends, signifying that while their paths may diverge, the connections they forged will forever shape them.