The rebellious teenager in question is Rachel, played by Lindsay Lohan. Rachel's troubled behavior, including drinking and promiscuity, has become too much for her mother, Lilly (Felicity Huffman), and she is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother, Georgia (Jane Fonda), in a small Idaho town.
Georgia is a strict, no-nonsense woman who has her own past traumas to deal with. Initially, Rachel resents being sent away and clashes with Georgia's rules, but over time she begins to open up to her grandmother and the town's eccentric residents.
As the summer progresses, dark family secrets are revealed, including the abuse Rachel suffered at the hands of her stepfather. The three generations of women come to understand the pain and hardships each has faced, and ultimately find strength in their shared experiences.
Throughout the film, themes of forgiveness, healing, and the importance of family are explored. The performances of the three leading actresses are praised, particularly Jane Fonda's portrayal of the tough but caring Georgia. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and also stars Dermot Mulroney and Cary Elwes.