After spending four years in a mental institution, a former teacher moves back in with his mother and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife.

Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything - his house, his job and his wife. He finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert De Niro) after spending 8 months in a state institution on a plea bargain. While rebuilding his life, Pat is determined to remain positive and reunite with his wife despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. When Pat meets Tiffany (Academy Award Winner, Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. As their relationship plays out, an unexpected bond forms between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.