Being Frank

As 17-year-old Philip's high school days dwindle, he clings to his dreams of becoming a musician, but his father, Frank, has a drastically different vision for his life. The patriarch's expectations are crystal clear: complete a summer internship at the family ketchup factory and then attend a state college, rather than pursuing his true passion - attending New York University. One evening, Philip makes a heartfelt plea to his mother, Laura, asking if he can attend the Starling Festival at the lake, which would mark his final Spring Break as a high school student. Despite her own fond memories of the festival from years past, she reluctantly denies him permission, leaving Philip crestfallen.

The tide turns when Philip receives an acceptance letter from NYU, but Frank's reaction is anything but celebratory. With no explanation or conversation, he abruptly shuts down Philip's dreams, leaving his son reeling. Seeking escape and solace, Philip decides to sneak out of the house the next day after his father departs for a trip to Japan, while his mother and sister, Libby, attend a PETA event. Lewis, his trusted friend, picks him up and they make their way to the lake.

However, Philip's expectations are soon dashed when he discovers that they won't be staying in a cozy lakeside cabin as he had hoped. Instead, they find themselves at the humble abode of Ross, Lewis' stoner uncle. The boys spend some time lounging by the pool, with Philip's attention caught up in admiring his high school crush, Allison.

Just then, Frank appears at the pool, embracing a young waitress. Philip and Lewis frantically scramble to hide as they watch their father walk off into the distance with his companion. Their curiosity piqued, the boys decide to follow Frank and the woman to her house, where they sneak into the backyard. What Philip discovers next leaves him stunned - he finds himself face-to-face with three individuals who are none other than Frank's other wife, Bonnie, daughter, Kelly, and son, Eddie.

As the reality sets in, Philip is left reeling from this revelation. He and Lewis make their way back to Ross' apartment, where they process the shocking discovery. The next day, Philip returns to one of Frank's houses, introducing himself as Richie's son - a name that holds significance for Frank, who has used it to keep his multiple wives at bay. This time, he is warmly welcomed into the fold.

Frank's return from his journey to Japan is met with an unexpected surprise as he stumbles upon Philip occupying what should be his own home. The evening takes a dramatic turn when Philip leverages Frank into paying for his NYU tuition, extracting a hefty check from him in the process. As the weekend unfolds, Philip becomes fast friends with Frank's other family members, including Kelly and Eddie, sharing stories about their fathers without arousing suspicion - at least not yet.

Meanwhile, Laura's growing unease about Philip's prolonged absence prompts her to inquire about his whereabouts with Lewis' mother, only to be told that he's actually spent the past few days by the lake. Concerned for her son's well-being, Laura and Lib decide to take a trip to the lake themselves on the following day.

Back at the lake, Philip and Frank are warned about the impending arrival of Laura and Lib, but they're too caught up in their own games to listen. Frank concocts an elaborate excuse to justify his absence from Japan, spinning a yarn about not needing to be there after all. The family decides to rent a cabin for the Starling Festival, unaware of the chaos that's brewing.

On the morning of the festival, Frank finds himself at Bonnie's lakefront cabin, but he can't shake off the feeling that he needs to be elsewhere - and fast. He embarks on a frantic "jog" to get to Laura's rental cabin, leaving Eddie feeling perplexed and abandoned in his wake.

Frank's arrival at Laura's cabin is met with confusion, as he arrives drenched in sweat. Philip, oblivious to the fact that Frank had already sent Bonnie, Kelly, and Eddie to the festival, dispatches Lib and Laura to join him there instead. As a result, both families find themselves converging on the festival grounds without realizing it.

Just when all hope seems lost, Ross appears at the lake's edge with a powerboat, whisking Philip and Frank away to the festival in record time, leaving the rest of the family to follow suit.

As Philip and Frank arrive at the scene, they deliberately split up to create a diversion, hoping to keep their wives occupied. However, Philip's attempt to reach his mother is thwarted by Kelly, who reveals her long-held feelings for him and tries to steal a kiss. Fortunately, Frank intervenes just in time, stopping Kelly from getting too close. But instead of letting the moment pass, Frank decides to bare his soul and confess his infidelity. In an effort to deflect their wives' anger at his father's philandering ways, Philip remembers an offhanded remark Frank once made about deliberately jumping into oncoming traffic. Just as a car is about to strike Philip, Frank pushes him out of the way, but in doing so, they inadvertently find themselves in harm's way, narrowly avoiding being hit by another vehicle driven by Stan and Marcy Kempler, two friends of Bonnie and Frank.

The aftermath of this chaotic scene finds Philip and Frank in the hospital, nursing their physical and emotional wounds. While Philip is discharged with only minor bumps and bruises, Frank requires medical attention for his broken ribs and leg, as well as a few superficial injuries. Laura's response to her husband's betrayal is telling - she leaves the hospital without visiting Frank, a sign that their marriage is effectively over. Meanwhile, Bonnie and their four children confront Frank in his hospital room about the pain he has caused, leaving everyone feeling drained.

Months later, Philip is settling into his dorm room when Kelly drops by to break the news that they'll be living in neighboring rooms. This encounter serves as a reminder of the unresolved tension between her and Frank, which still simmers just below the surface. In a poignant moment, Frank enters Philip's room, presents him with his father's guitar, and explains that it never truly belonged to him - a symbolic gesture that clears the way for Philip to pursue his passion for music. As Philip and Frank share a heartfelt hug, it becomes clear that they have finally connected in a way that has long eluded them. Frank departs, but not before lingering outside Philip's room, listening intently as his son strums the guitar with newfound purpose.