After Portland slacker John Callaghan nearly loses his life in a car accident, the last thing he intends to do is give up drinking. But when he reluctantly enters treatment - with encouragement from his girlfriend and a charismatic sponsor - Callahan discovers a gift for drawing edgy, irreverent newspaper cartoons that develop a national following and grant him a new lease on life.

Based on a true story, this poignant, insightful and often funny drama about the healing power of the art is adapted from Callahan’s autobiography and directed by two-time Oscar nominee Gus Van Sant.