The movie follows Ricky, who witnesses his mother and sister die at the age of 3, and, at 11, is sent to reform school. The film begins when a 20-year-old Ricky returns home. Being incarcerated has made him very humble. Ricky begins to search for ways to be a better person and be positive fixture in society. Ricky gets a job, finds love, and, as his 21st birthday approaches, things seem to be looking up. But as the title suggests, not all goes according to plan.