King of California 2007

Miranda's Abandonment

At just sixteen years old, Miranda faces the emotional turmoil of being abandoned by her mother. This life-altering event forces her to drop out of school and take on adult responsibilities much earlier than her peers.

Life at McDonald's

In order to survive, Miranda starts working at McDonald's. This job becomes her lifeline, helping her make ends meet while navigating the complexities of her shattered family.

Charlie's Mental Health Struggles

Miranda's father, Charlie, is revealed to be in a mental institution during her struggles. His absence and mental health woes add to the emotional strain on Miranda as she attempts to build her life.

Charlie's Return

Charlie is released from the mental institution and returns home, but his return disrupts the already fragile balance of Miranda's life. His presence brings both joy and chaos as he navigates his newfound freedom.

Obsession with Treasure

Upon returning, Charlie becomes fixated on the belief that the treasure of Father Juan Florismarte Garces is buried nearby. This obsession leads him to dig through treasure-hunting literature while ignoring the realities of their lives.

The Costco Discovery

Charlie believes that the treasure lies right beneath the local Costco. His wild ideas and passion for treasure hunting become a focal point of their lives, drawing them deeper into his fantasies.

Job at Costco

To keep her father motivated, Miranda takes a job at Costco, aligning herself with Charlie's treasure hunt ambitions. This job serves as a springboard for them to brainstorm and plan their treasure-digging endeavors.

Joining the Adventure

Initially skeptical of her father's plans, Miranda begins to embrace the adventure. She starts to see the treasure hunt as a chance to bond with her father and restore some semblance of hope in their lives.

Questionable Decisions

As the quest for treasure unfolds, Miranda and Charlie make a series of questionable decisions. These decisions drive the narrative into darkly comedic territory, highlighting the absurdities of their situation.

The Search for Hope

Throughout their exploits, Miranda finds a sense of hope and purpose. The pursuit of the American dream becomes a metaphor for their journey to heal their fractured family relationships.

Lessons in Family Dynamics

The duo's quirky treasure-hunting escapades reveal deeper themes within modern family dynamics. Their experiences serve to explore the complexities of love, support, and resilience in the face of adversity.

A New Understanding

By the end of their journey, both Miranda and Charlie gain a new understanding of themselves and each other. Their shared experiences help them confront their past, creating stronger bonds between father and daughter.